Diet and Rheumatoid Arthritis: How to Fix Fast and Simple Meals

Recipes That Save Your Joints

These recipes are packed with great taste and good nutrition that helps limit the joint swelling of arthritis, keeps bones strong, and promotes overall health. Some dishes are super easy, and others take a little bit more preparation. But all provide delicious, balanced meals.

Breakfast

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Enjoy with a whole grain English muffin
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup milk
Pinch cinnamon
2 teaspoons sugar or artificial sweetener to taste

Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Whip on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until frothy. Serve immediately. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Pair this one up with a whole-grain English muffin, too
3/4 cup plain yogurt
1 medium banana
2 tablespoons peanut butter
2 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Whip on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes or until frothy. Serve immediately. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Berry Fluffy Pancakes
Serve with a glass of orange juice fortified with calcium and vitamin D
1 cup plain nonfat or low-fat yogurt
1 large egg
1 cup pancake mix
1 cup fresh blueberries or raspberries

In a bowl, combine yogurt and egg. Mix well. Add pancake mix and blend just to combine. Lightly oil or spray a nonstick pan or griddle. Ladle out 2 tablespoons batter for each pancake. Drop a few berries onto pancake. When edges are firm, turn pancakes and cook 1 minute more. Serve immediately. This will give you 3 pancakes, but you can make extra and freeze.

Jazz-y Oatmeal
Prepare a packet or two of regular instant oatmeal in the microwave according to directions, with milk or soy beverage. After cooking, stir in 1/2 cup applesauce and 1/4 cup raisins (more if using 2 packets) and pinch of cinnamon, if desired.

Confetti Cottage Cheese
Add 1/4 cup dried pre-chopped apricots; 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts; and 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed to 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese. Serve on top of a toasted Heart Healthy Cinnamon Raisin bagel from Sara Lee. One bagel supplies 48 grams of whole grain, the minimum amount experts recommend you get each day.

Waffle Sandwich
Toast two high-fiber waffles, such as Kashi Go Lean Original Whole Grain. Spread each waffle with 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter to make a sandwich. Have with a glass of low-fat milk and fruit.

Lunch

Easy English Muffin or Pita Pizzas
Top each half of a whole-grain English muffin or a small whole-wheat pita round with 1/4 cup marinara sauce and 1/4 cup grated cheese. Broil in a toaster oven or in the regular oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Cool before eating. Serve with a glass of orange juice fortified with calcium and vitamin D.