Kitchen Tips for Cooking and Meal Preparation
Just like money management, energy management takes some thought and planning but it pays off in the long run. Here are eight principles of energy conservation to consider when preparing meals for you and your family:
Energy Conservation Tips
Planning
• Plan meals ahead of time
• Pre meals when energy levels are high
• Separate meal prep & shop
Pacing
• Slow down the pace
• Sit instead of stand
• Take frequent breaks
• Use a stop watch
Delegate
• Use your energy wisely, delegate less important tasks to caregiver or family
Eliminate
• Eliminate extra steps
• Take shortcuts
Prioritizing
• Prioritize tasks , e.g. cleaning vs. meal prep, choose for health
Use Tools
• Use adaptive aids and appliances whenever possible
Organizing
• Place frequently used appliances and tools in accessible location
Body Mechanics
• Maintain proper posture when lifting, carrying, reaching and standing
Safety First!
Tips for Preventing Burns
If you have a spinal cord injury your sensation and movement may be limited putting you at risk for burns during meal preparation activities. A few things to keep in mind when working in the kitchen:
DON’T
Carry hot solid or liquid on your lap
Reach over hot element or pan/pot
Overfill pan/pot with hot contents
DO
Use a kitchen trolley or pot roller
Place pan/pot on front element. Use a ‘reacher’ or ask for assistance
Insulate exposed plumbing
Fill pan/pot half full or use two separate
Clearly mark Hot and Cold faucets
Preventing Falls
Cooking is fun and can often be a busy and messy activity! To avoid falls keep these tips in mind:
• Clean up spills promptly
• Avoid area rugs, electrical wires and low lying objects that you can trip on
• Monitor your energy levels- take frequent breaks as necessary
• Limit distractions in your environment- stay focused
• Know your strengths and limitations prior to getting into the kitchen
• Appropriate footwear, e.g. closed heel & toe with rubber soles