Cook With Chiropractic in Mind
By Brandi Goodman
Cooking requires time and effort. It also ends in back pain if you aren't careful. Be sure you're following some chiropractic advice when in the kitchen so you can avoid the discomfort that often develops in the process. This is especially important as the holidays near and you're the one in charge of getting the meal together for the entire crowd.
Mix Up the Way You Work
Standing for the entire time will only leave you feeling sore. Sitting the entire time of cooking won't do you any favors, either. You should mix up the way you work, standing for a few minutes to stir and sitting again to get your veggies chopped. It will help avoid tension in one particular area and allow you to keep your blood flowing.
Use a Mat and Comfortable Shoes
The hard floor is often the culprit for cooking pain. Your legs and lower back can start to ache quickly when you're standing in one spot on a hard surface. Using a mat and pair of comfortable shoes can help alleviate some of the tension felt in the lower body. An anti-fatigue mat helps absorb some of the shock and prevent your legs from feeling tired and achy so easily. Wearing shoes is also wise because they add a level of comfort and protection.
Delegate Tasks
Don't handle all of the cooking yourself if you can help it. The meal will take far longer to make with only one person in the kitchen. Delegate tasks to everyone in the family. Let your youngest child mix ingredients in a bowl while a teenager chops vegetables. Your spouse can handle cooking on the stove while you get ingredients together for the oven-baked dishes. A team effort can really help the meal come together quickly, and help one person avoid an uncomfortable time.
Don't let a large meal scare you off from the kitchen. It may be a lot of work, but with chiropractic in mind you can ensure your body won't suffer because of it. Back pain doesn't have to be the norm for anyone cooking in the kitchen. There are ways to help make the process easier and more worthwhile. You can also start by seeing a chiropractor at The Joint. A flexible and pain-free body will be better able to handle the cooking duties to come for a big holiday event.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chandler, Ariz.