Cooking can be a real pain when you have rheumatoid arthritis, no pun intended. And it makes eating healthy even harder than it already is. You know you should bypass that take-out you’re thinking of picking up but the very thought of going home and chopping all those fruits and vegetables for a nutritious meal makes you cringe. It’s time to stop fighting and start considering some adaptive kitchen aids. Maintain your independence with these helpful tips and specialty cutlery items.
First and foremost, is it easy to pick up? Because you can’t expect to cut, chop, slice and dice with a knife that you can’t even lift. Be sure that any knives you purchase are fairly lightweight and have a large handle. A knife with a vertical handle or two handles is even better. Be on the look out for cutlery specially designed for people with arthritis, as they are most likely to have ergonomically designed handles. The DuoGlide series from Dexter Russell received an Ease-of-Use commendation by the Arthritis Foundation and all four knives feature textured, high-impact handles.
Second, consider your motion. Sliding back and forth is a definite no-go for people with Arthritis. Knives with angled blades can be used in a rocking motion to chop foods rather than sliding for less effort and safer cutting. Chef’s knives generally have these wide curved blades specifically designed to be used in the rocking motion and can cut a variety of foods. The versatile DuoGlide All-Purpose Chef’s Knife features a carbon steel blade that extends underneath the handle to position the user’s hand above the food for greater control and minimal effort.
Third, choose your blade. Never underestimate the power of a serrated edge. A scalloped blade can drastically reduce the amount of effort you have to put into cutting your food, whether its tough meat or delicate vegetables, and it maintains the knife’s sharpness. The DuoGlide Bread Slicer features a long serrated blade that is angled just right for slicing a variety of foods with ease.
And lastly, as with any other piece of cutlery, keeping your knives sharpened will better guarantee your safety and the blade’s performance. The DuoGlide design is also available in a utility knife and a pairing knife to meet all your food prep needs with comfort. For more information about the DuoGlide series and how to use them check out this video.
