Cooking Tips

Having arthritis makes living a normal active life a bit more difficult. Even the most mundane task like cooking can become a challenge. We all need to eat but with swollen, tender and/or stiff joints the simplest task of opening a jar, chopping vegetables or stirring a pot of sauce can become a task not wanted or even enjoyable. There are many things that you can do that can alleviate the your arthritis symptoms. First, is modifying your diet to include things that won't trigger reactions. The next would be designing your kitchen to make it user-friendly so you will cook. Lastly is to purchase devices that will help ease the labor of cooking and to make your kitchen user-friendlier.

For diet, look at the recipes you currently love to cook. Check for the following ingredients and the amount. Remember, the best way to get the best food for you is to have a colorful plate. The more vibrant, rich colors of orange, green, yellow found in vegetables and grains are going to give you more vitamins and nutrients rather browns and pale yellows like foods like meat, pasta and rice. Use the My Recipe Box to start your own healthy cooking book or card file. The My Meal Plan will help you plan you meals and shop more easily to plan your meals for the week to better utilize your time.

Here are other tips for an easier cooking time:

• Rest when tired
• Find good shoes to wear if your going to be standing (reduces swelling and tension)
• Work in a sitting position
• Limit lifting - use baskets, pockets, apron or move things closer
• Double cook - leftovers are great or ingredient can be used in a whole new meal the next day.