From healthcentral.com
By Meaghan Quirin
Even when you’re flaring, you’ve still got to eat. This influencer’s advice will help you get food on the table as easily as possible.
When a flare hits, spending hours in the kitchen isn’t an option. My hands and wrists hurt, my energy tanks, standing feels as exerting as running, and cooking can quickly feel overwhelming. But over the years, I’ve found ways to make meals happen without wearing myself out. If I’m flaring but still feel up to doing a bit of cooking, I rely on grocery pickup or delivery services like Instacart. I pick up things like pre-cut veggies or a rotisserie chicken, items that cut down on prep work and help protect my hands and energy. This way, I can still have some control over what I’m eating without all the extra strain. Batch cooking is another go-to strategy I use to prepare for low-energy days. Whenever I do cook, I try to make extra portions to freeze so I have ready-to-heat meals waiting in the freezer. It’s a relief knowing there’s something to eat with zero prep.
My air fryer is also a major lifesaver. I keep frozen staples like meatballs, chicken tenders, sweet potato fries, and veggies on hand so I can toss them all in and walk away. It’s quick, hands-off, and keeps cooking pain-free. I also lean on kitchen gadgets that make life easier, like automatic can openers and ergonomic tools, and I always keep a chair or stool nearby so I can sit while prepping food. Standing for too long just isn’t an option when my joints are flaring.
On tougher days, when even thinking about cooking feels impossible, I turn to food delivery. Whether it’s going all in on comfort food or just something simple, ordering in helps me nourish my body without using precious energy, and my favourite part? Zero clean-up. Sometimes, this is what accepting help looks like: outsourcing it!
When the pain gets beyond intense, it’s not uncommon for me to lose my appetite altogether, but I still need to take medication and keep my body fuelled, so I keep easy snacks like protein drinks, applesauce pouches, and crackers within reach. They might be simple, but they help me get through without added stress.
Living with PsA means you’ll have your own version of what “cooking” and “healthy meals” look like, and that’s OK. It’s about being kind to yourself and finding ways to nourish your body that work with what you’re dealing with, (flare day or not.)
Meaghan spent years navigating medical gaslighting before finally being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at 26. Now in her 30s living in New York with her husband and son, she is passionate about raising awareness for PsA and creating a space where others feel seen and understood. On Instagram (@arthritis_meggie), Meaghan shares the highs and lows of living with PsA—offering an honest look at everything from symptom management and treatment struggles to moments of joy and resilience. Through her storytelling, she hopes to help others find answers, support, and community.
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