Arthritis. When I was younger, I would hear the older people talk about it. I definitely did not understand how much it affects your life. Daily life tasks become much more difficult.

Keeping in mind that due to food allergies I must avoid most processed food, I wanted to share some things that have helped me in the kitchen, specifically:

• Adjust your expectations. You may have to adjust foods to make them easier to make.
• Batch cook. I have experimented with different ways of doing this. Right now, the best way to do this seems to be doubling a recipe, labeling and freezing serving-size portions after the meal. That way, I can pick and choose from a variety of meals. It has helped to not eat the same thing all week, every week.
• If possible, purchase pre-cut vegetables and meat. I can’t always do this due to the additional cost, but it helps. Cutting vegetables and meat can be an exercise in pain-tolerance. If you know, you know!
• Cook potatoes or meats before cutting, depending on use.
• Do the cooking at your stronger time of day. Yes, this may mean making supper in the morning. It has helped.
• Plan the meals for the week based on your strength and pain-level.
• Purchase a few versatile tools that will help you do what is needed.

These may be simple things, but they have helped a lot. We would really be interested in your suggestions. What have you found that helps you in the kitchen or around the house as old arthritis comes to visit more frequently?