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“Food is our common ground, a universal experience” – James Beard

I am a foodie. My mother was an excellent cook and grew a lot of our vegetables when I was growing up. I learned so much from her. In fact, before I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I had a wonderful career in the food and beverage industry. Even after I had to quit working full time, I continued to cook as often as possible even when fatigue, pain, and other symptoms limited my time in the favorite room of my house – my kitchen. These issues plague me to this day, so I have tried to find my own hacks and workarounds so I can continue to cook and eat healthy, delicious food.

Living with MS often involves dealing with fatigue and pain, which can make cooking challenging. However, with

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a few practical tips and kitchen hacks, it is possible to get into the kitchen and cook for yourself or others and have fun exploring the culinary arts. Here are some strategies to help make cooking more manageable and enjoyable.

Shopping or ordering groceries online (Delivery) 

I live alone and enjoy ordering groceries and household supplies from Amazon Fresh. The quality is great, and the price is surprisingly competitive. I still pop over to my neighborhood store for a few things, but when ordering in bulk, Amazon Fresh is my “go to.” If you have a family, this can still be a great option, but there are other delivery services available to fit your needs.

Organize your workspace

Keeping your kitchen well organized can save time and energy. Store frequently used items within easy reach to avoid unnecessary movements. Use clear containers to quickly identify ingredients, and label everything for easy access.

Adaptive kitchen tools and equipment

Investing in adaptive kitchen tools can make a significant difference. Ergonomic utensils, lightweight pots and pans, and electric can openers can reduce strain on your hands and wrists. Consider sitting at a table or using a stool to sit while preparing meals to conserve energy. Here’s a sample list of adaptive tools to consider:

• Ergonomic knives and peelers
• One-handed cutting aids
• Automatic can openers and jar openers
• Electric mixers, food processor, choppers, and blenders
• Nonslip cutting boards and mixing bowls
• Adaptive kitchen utensils
• Reach extenders and grabbers
• Antifatigue mats
• One pot, slow cookers, and crock pots
• No-cook or semicooked meal options
• Modify your kitchen for better and safer access

Plan and prep in advance

Planning your meals for the week can help you avoid last-minute stress. Prep ingredients in advance by chopping vegetables, marinating proteins, and precooking grains. Buy in bulk – cook in bulk. Then freeze based on portion sizes. Batch cooking and freezing meals can also provide ready-made options for days when cooking feels overwhelming. You’ll be surprised with the number of items that freeze well even after cooking. Rice, pasta, meats, chicken, fish, sauces, and soups are just a few examples and these make it easier to grab and cook or microwave as needed. 

Opt for simple and nutritious recipes

Choose recipes that are easy to prepare and require minimal effort. Focus on nutrient-dense foods to support overall health. Smoothies, salads, and one-pan dishes are excellent options that can be both quick and nutritious.

Take breaks and pace yourself

Listen to your body and take breaks as needed. Cooking doesn't have to be a race. It's okay to take your time. If you feel fatigued, break down tasks into smaller steps and rest in between.

Utilize time-saving appliances

Make use of appliances such as slow cookers, pressure cookers, and food processors to cut down on cooking time and effort. These tools can help create delicious meals with minimal hands-on time.

Take care of yourself and listen to your body

Remember to stay cool, hydrated, and take care of your overall well-being. Drink plenty of water and ensure you're getting adequate rest. A well-hydrated and rested body is better equipped to handle the demands of cooking.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can continue to enjoy the therapeutic and creative aspects of cooking while still managing the various symptoms of MS. It’s delicious therapy.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates

Resources and support

“You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces – just good food from fresh ingredients.” – Julia Child

I know most people who are reading this are not professional chefs, but if you love food and love to cook, then you will enjoy exploring the stories of chefs who do have MS and get inspired to play in your own kitchens. Of

Inspiring Chefs Who Live with MS:

Eduardo Garcia Jackie Rothong Ben Daitz Mike Risk Chris Holland Orlando Pagan James Coke Meg Johnson Kenneth Poole Trevis Gleason

course, if you are a foodie and enjoy cooking, MS can certainly make it more difficult to get into the kitchen. From shopping to food prep, cooking and cleanup, MS symptoms and mobility issues can hinder us from doing anything in the kitchen, but it doesn’t have to be this way. There are numerous resources and communities that offer support, adaptive tools, and inspiration.

Adaptive tools: Just as adaptive kitchen tools can aid home cooks, professional chefs also use a variety of tools designed for accessibility.

Support networks: Many organizations offer resources and community support for those living with MS.

Inspirational stories: Platforms such as Disability Horizons and Accessible Chef provide stories and tips from those who have successfully navigated the culinary world with their disabilities.

“Cooking is multisensory. It’s made for the eyes, the mouth, the nose, the ear, and the soul. No other art is as complex.” – Pierre Gagnaire