Are you hosting Thanksgiving at your house this year? Before you spend all day cooking and baking in the kitchen, make sure you keep the following tips in mind to keep back pain at bay.
1.Invest in a Supportive Mat
- Your hard kitchen floor will become your worst enemy if you’re planning to stand on it all day! Purchase a skid-free foam or gel mat to stand on while cooking and washing dishes.
- These mats come in all shapes, sizes, and colors these days, so consider your current kitchen décor so you can use them long-term.
2. Ditch the No-Shoe Rule
- You may feel more comfortable and “at home” walking around and standing on bare feet, but wearing comfortable shoes with arch support, such as tennis shoes, while cooking will provide the leg and back support needed to keep back pain away.
3. Squat, Don’t Bend
- Whether a cooking utensil fell on the floor or you need to bend down for that large stand mixer, remember to use your knees, keep your back straight, and squat down to pick anything up.
4. Don’t Let Your Posture Suffer
- It’s easy to find yourself slumped over your counter or stovetop while standing for long periods of time, placing unnecessary strain on your back and cause unwanted aches and pains.
- Be sure to keep your back straight while standing or sitting. Also, consider using a cookbook or tablet stand to keep your recipes closer to eye-level.
5. Call in Sous Chefs for Back-up
- If you need to take breaks in between prepping and cooking, don’t be afraid to ask for help! While your sous chefs are helping prepare meals, take the time to sit down and rest, or do some light stretches for your lower back.
6. Fry Your Thanksgiving Turkey Instead
- If you’re looking to fry a turkey for Thanksgiving this year, here are some basic instructions:
Items Needed:
- 1 Whole Turkey – Fresh or frozen
- Turkey Fryer – Outdoor fryer or indoor electric fryer, your preference
- At Least 3 Gallons of Oil – Peanut oil is recommended
- Desired Seasonings
Instructions:
- If your turkey is frozen, completely thaw your turkey in the fridge for a couple of days, or submerge in cold water until thawed, changing the water every 30 minutes or so.
- If you’re using a fresh turkey, or once your turkey has completely thawed, pat the turkey dry, then remove the neck and giblets. Rub your desired seasonings on your turkey and let the seasoned turkey sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before frying.
- While the turkey sits, slowly pour the oil into your turkey fryer of choice and preheat to 350°F. Be sure to not fill past the maximum fill line.
- Lower the turkey very slowly and carefully into the fryer. Let the turkey cook for 3.5 minutes per pound.
- After the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180°F, slowly remove the turkey and allow to rest for 30 minutes before carving and serving.
We Can Help!
For more prevention tips to keep back pain away, visit our Resources section. If you are currently experiencing back pain, request an appointment with us.
We’ll help you fry your turkey this Thanksgiving and not your back!
