7 Tips for Accessible Cooking with Chronic Illness
Living with a chronic illness can present all kinds of challenges in our daily lives, including cooking. However, it's important to remember that with a few adjustments and a focus on accessibility, spoonies can still manage the process of preparing and enjoying delicious meals. In this blog post, we'll explore seven tips to help make cooking more accessible for individuals with chronic illnesses.
Plan Ahead and Prep in Advance:
Managing a chronic illness often requires conserving energy and pacing activities. First plan meals for the week ahead. Then asses what ingredients you already have before creating a shopping list. Lists are key for folks with chronic illness, we don’t want to be hit with brain fog mid-grocery shop!
Optimize Your Kitchen Layout:
Arrange the kitchen in a way that minimizes unnecessary movement and strain. Keep frequently used utensils and ingredients within easy reach. Consider investing in kitchen tools that are adaptive, such as jar openers, and easy-grip utensils. Keeping a stool or chair near by can help you save spoons while prepping!
Embrace Slow Cookers and Instant Pots:
Slow cookers and electric pressure cookers like Instant Pots can be a game-changer for folks with chronic illness! These appliances allow you to prepare flavorful meals with minimal effort. Simply assemble the ingredients, set the cooking time, and let the device do the rest. They also provide the convenience of one-pot cooking, reducing the number of dishes to clean up. Win!
Utilize Kitchen Gadgets and Tools:
Leverage the power of kitchen gadgets to simplify meal preparation. Use food processors or blenders to chop, puree, or blend ingredients. Electric can openers, jar openers, and ergonomic peelers can make opening containers and peeling fruits and vegetables easier. Explore adaptive kitchen tools and gadgets tailored to your specific needs. Or better yet, opt for pre-cut and peeled options at the store to skip this step all together!
Consider Meal Delivery Services:
Great to have on hand for flare days when you have limited energy, meal delivery services can be a fantastic option. Numerous companies offer ready-made meals or meal kits with pre-portioned ingredients and detailed instructions. Choose services that cater to dietary restrictions and preferences, ensuring you have nutritious and convenient meals readily available. Try different companies to take advantage of deals and sales for first orders!
Emphasize One-Pot and One-Pan Recipes:
Reduce the number of dishes and pans to clean up by focusing on one-pot and one-pan recipes. These recipes not only save time but also minimize physical strain. Opt for dishes like stir-fries, sheet pan meals, casseroles, and soups that allow you to combine ingredients and flavors in a single cooking vessel. Not only are these types of recipes accessible in terms of preparation, but they are also totally customizable to dietary needs!
Seek Support and Adapt Recipes:
Don't hesitate to seek support from family members, friends, or caregivers when needed. Ask for help with meal preparation, chopping, stirring, or any task that might be physically challenging. Additionally, adapting recipes to suit your needs is totally possible. Simplify complex recipes with shortcut ingredients such as pre-chopped veggies and pre-cooked proteins. This will shorten cooking times to make the process more manageable.
Cooking with a chronic illness can seem like an overwhelming or impossible task. By implementing these tips, you can create an accessible and enjoyable cooking experience that suits your unique needs and abilities. Remember to plan ahead, optimize your kitchen, embrace time-saving appliances, utilize helpful tools, explore meal delivery options, focus on one-pot recipes, and seek support when necessary. With these strategies, you can continue to nourish your body with delicious meals while managing your chronic illness. And remember, if you are having a high symptom day, there is never any shame in ordering take out and giving yourself a much deserved break!
