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What Are Some Things You Like To Cook When Your Hands Are Hurting And Aren't Able To Chop, Etc Like You Used To?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Albuquerque, NM

I love to cook and find that my hands hurt too much to grip a knife, carry a pot, etc.

May 31, 2024
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myRAteam

When your hands are hurting and you can't chop or stir like you used to, here are some helpful tips and meal ideas:

1. Use Kitchen Gadgets:
- Mandolin, blender, small food processor with a stick blend attachment, and a larger processor can make chopping easier.
- Rocking knife with two handles for easier cutting.

2 Show Full Answer

When your hands are hurting and you can't chop or stir like you used to, here are some helpful tips and meal ideas:

1. Use Kitchen Gadgets:
- Mandolin, blender, small food processor with a stick blend attachment, and a larger processor can make chopping easier.
- Rocking knife with two handles for easier cutting.

2. Repurpose Tools:
- Hard-boiled egg cutters for small vegetables.
- Apple corers for cutting veggies.
- Kitchen shears for cutting meat and vegetables.
- Pizza cutters for sandwiches and flat foods.
- Corn cob holders to spike food in place.

3. Prepackaged and Precooked Foods:
- Use prepackaged or processed items like prepared spaghetti sauce or frozen meatballs as meal starters.
- Buy precooked foods like roast chicken to modify at home.

4. Delegate Tasks:
- Ask family members to help with chopping and other tasks.
- Make it a potluck when having friends over to reduce your workload.

5. Simplify Cleanup:
- Use a dishwasher for everything possible.
- Prepare ahead with liners in slow cookers, aluminum foil in roasting pans, and parchment paper on cookie sheets.
- Wash dishes in stages to avoid piling up.

6. Double Up:
- Cook double batches and freeze leftovers for days when you're not feeling well.

7. Grocery Store Help:
- Use home delivery or pickup services.
- Shop for precut veggies in both fresh and frozen sections.
- Ask the butcher and fishmonger for help with cutting meat and fish.

These tips can help make cooking more manageable and less painful when dealing with arthritis.

May 31, 2024
A myRAteam Member

I ordered a rocking knife - like they use to cut pizza. I figure I can put the side handles between my thumbs and forefingers so I don't have to grip the handles. This is where I am having trouble with my hands - the gripping and strength. I hope it works!

June 2, 2024
A myRAteam Member

I still do chop or cut when it's small amounts. My problem is I can't feel the pinky finger and the one next to it, plus I have very little strength in it. For me I'd rather not lose a finger. Lol. Funny not funny. I total understand what your saying about enjoying it. And you need to do it if you enjoy it. I enjoy it until it hurts.

June 2, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Carol2015, I have a small chopper, blender and a mandolin, but I find that I love the way I feel when I chop veggies and fruits, taking my time. I enjoy the "therapeutic" process of it. Does that make sense? It's like putting love and care into each cut, etc. Sooner or later I will come to realize that I can still put love and care into my cooking by using convenient tools. I just need to adjust my methods and thinking. ❤️

May 31, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Pamela, I too have a cast iron grill pan and a Dutch oven. I love them but use them seldom. I am sure your Father meant well, but to have them around just in case is a warming idea!
I am finding it difficult to come to terms with what I can no longer do, but I am trying to find resourceful ways.
Sending (((HUGS)))

May 31, 2024

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