About This Column
Here you'll find advice on how to take a more comprehensive approach toward managing your rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Keep in mind, this column is intended to advise you on how to complement your treatment, not replace it. Please consult your doctor to determine what advice may be right for you.
Featured Article
Putting Food on the Table in the Face of RA
Jul 22, 2009
Many of us truly enjoy cooking. After all, there's a great personal satisfaction that can come with creating a delicious dish to both enjoy and share with loved ones. But, if you're living with RA, your desire to cook may often come face-to-face with the pain and stiffness in your joints. That's why today I'd like to share some tips to help you put food on the table, even when you're not feeling your best.
Prepare extra food when you feel well Try cooking extra on your good days, so you can save some of the meal for those days you're not feeling so well.
Doubling the recipe generally doesn't add much to your workload
Eating leftovers is usually healthier (and cheaper) than ordering take-out. And I'm sure your family would prefer a home-cooked meal
Some meals that are particularly good as leftovers include:
Soups, stews, and chili
Pasta dishes with sauce
Say "No" to TV dinners For the following reasons, I recommend that you avoid many of the frozen meals at your supermarket:
Frozen meals tend to be high in sodium and low in fiber
Many frozen meals appear to be healthy because they're low in fat, but they may not provide the proper nutrients that are required for a well-balanced diet. It helps to always check the nutrition label on the package
If, for whatever reason, you must serve one of these frozen meals (we all do occasionally), please try to supplement the meal with some healthier foods that don't require a lot of preparation (eg, premade salads)
Purchase a pre-cooked meal that's healthy On those days when you just aren't up for cooking, you should consider the pre-cooked meals at your local supermarket.
For example, a precooked chicken is a great start to any hot and healthy dinner. Add a premade salad, some frozen veggies, and a baked potato (which can be easily prepared in your microwave), and you've got yourself a hearty meal
For a lighter meal, use the electric can opener and enjoy a hearty soup. Choose one that's loaded with protein (eg, lentil, split pea, or black bean) and low in fat and sodium
Take it easy on your joints with helpful cooking devices While purchasing assistive devices may not be appropriate for everyone's budget, you should consider the following tools to help ease the stress on your joints:
Electric can opener
Plastic containers (for storing and freezing leftovers)
Electric knife for easy carving and cutting
Food processors (so you don't have to chop by hand)
I hope that my suggestions will make it easier for you to whip up some delicious meals, especially on those days when your RA is acting up. What matters is that you and your family eat meals that are healthy and, of course, enjoyable. Until next time, bon appétit!
Managing Pain and Stress
