Diet and rheumatoid arthritis: How to make fast and simple meals

Everybody wants to save time and energy in the kitchen. It's particularly important when joints aching from arthritis turn preparing a meal into a monumental task. We've put together some ideas for easy meals that take the strain off your hands and body and don't wear you out. At the same time, they manage to deliver great taste, as well as the nutrition you need to limit swelling from arthritis and to stay strong.

And here's a tip: when you are feeling up to cooking, make extra and freeze it. That way, you'll always have healthy food around to eat on your lower-energy days. If meal preparation is largely out of the question for you, consider using your local Meals on Wheels service.

Ready-prepared meals for bad arthritis days

Though ready-prepared and frozen dinners are quick and easy, especially when your arthritis is keeping you out of the kitchen, they are notoriously high in salt and low in fibre. If you know what to look for, there are plenty of good choices to serve as the main course of a nutritious meal. Look for dishes that supply 0.8 grams of sodium or less; a minimum of 15 grams of protein; and at least 4 grams of fibre.

Even the healthiest ready-prepared and frozen meals offer little in the way of vegetables and whole grains. Supplement with a portion of fresh or frozen cooked vegetables, and a slice of wholemeal bread to make a complete meal.

Convenience foods

Supermarkets offer plenty of convenience foods that make assembling a meal easy for anyone with arthritis. However, like most processed foods, they supply more salt than you need, so look for lower-sodium varieties. These meal starters come up short on protein so they need to be supplemented with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy to make a balanced meal.

When arthritis makes cooking difficult, enjoy a protein-packed bean soup such as lentil, black bean or split pea. Invest in a reliable electric can opener to make it easier for you. These days you can also pick up a pre-roasted chicken, a pasty or other ready-prepared foods at most supermarkets and corner shops. Plus salmon and tuna fillets are available in easy-to-open packages and are ready to eat in seconds for lunch or dinner. At a pinch even a tin of tuna - served on six crackers - makes an instant healthy meal.

The role of liquid meals in your arthritis diet

Liquid foods supply many essential vitamins and minerals but they don’t have enough protein and fibre to be considered a real meal. They aren't particularly satisfying and can leave you wanting more, and they are relatively expensive. In spite of all that they are not without merit, convenience is one of their virtues. Add one or two pieces of wholemeal toast and fruit to round out their nutritional power for an arthritis-friendly meal.

Check the label to make sure the liquid food contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. Most 250ml (8½fl oz) nutritional supplement drinks are fortified to provide 25% of the vitamins you need each day.