Ergonomics is usually a topic you read about when it comes to work stations, desks or chairs, but why not think about good ergonomics at home? We’re spending more time at home, which means a lot more time in the kitchen! With the influx of fresh summer produce, combined with the added efforts needed to thoroughly clean, sanitize and prep your fruits and veggies, it’s more important than ever to make these tasks as comfortable as possible.
If you suffer from back, hip, neck or shoulder pain, standing at a sink for extended periods of time can be uncomfortable. An ergonomic sink and sink accessories, can help create a healthier kitchen environment for you and your family.
/farmhouse-sinks-image-450w-253h.jpg "If you suffer from lower back pain when bending over, a farmhouse sink is a great option")
Farmhouse sinks
You spend countless hours at your kitchen sink, so it's critical that you have one that works for you. The QUATRUS R15 ERGON Farmhouse sink is 33” wide, which is roomy enough to wash and clean loads of fruits and veggies all at once. Farmhouse sinks are by nature, more ergonomic, due to how they are installed. The apron protrudes out from the cabinets, so the sink bowl is pulled in closer to you. This can save you 2-3 inches of reaching or bending compared to traditional undermount sinks.
/layered-sink-accessories-image-450w-253h.jpg "Multi-level sink grids can alleviate back pain when washing dhshes!")
Layer your sink accessories
The QUATRUS ERGON farmhouse sink has a 9” deep bowl, which is fantastic for space, but can be hard on your back, especially if they’re installed under the counter. Undermount installations can add an extra 1-2 inches to your bowl depth, depending on your countertop thickness. Finding a sink with a range of accessories at various heights, will save you from having to bend to reach items at the bottom of the sink.
/optimize-2-image-450w-253h.jpg "A deep farmhouse sink and the right accessories will optimize your kitchen workstation.")
Optimize your workflow
Sinks with built-in accessory ledges like the QUATRUS ERGON sink or the PROFINA can give your prep area a semi-professional experience by optimizing your workflow. Accessories like cutting boards, colanders and rails nestle perfectly inside the sink’s inner ledge, so you can comfortably wash, dry, peel, and chop at countertop height. Bottom grids, elevated grids and floating grids help utilize space at mid-height, so you can separate your tasks with multiple surface layers.
Want to try a healthy green smoothie? We love this green smoothie recipe from Molly Yeh for Food Network.
/green-smoothies-image-640w-360h.jpg "Apple and peanut butter green smoothie")
APPLE & PEANUT BUTTER GREEN SMOOTHIE
- Yield: 1 large or 2 small smoothies
- Prep Time: 10 min. / Cook Time: 10 min.
Ingredients:
- 1 Honeycrisp apple, chopped
- 1 squeeze lemon juice
- 2 heaping tablespoons unsweetened peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 ounce fresh spinach (about 1/2 cup firmly packed or a nice big handful)
- 3 ounces fresh chopped kale (about 1 1/2 cups firmly packed or 3 big handfuls)
- 6 large ice cubes
- 1/2 cup cold water
Optional
- Super seed mix, for topping
- A few shakes of turmeric
- A small chunk of ginger
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Procedure:
- In a high-speed blender (and in this specific order), add the apple, lemon juice, peanut butter or almond butter, spinach, kale, ice cubes and water and blend on high until very smooth (about the time it takes you to refill your ice cube tray and stick it back in the freezer).
- Pour into glasses and sprinkle with super seed mix, if using.
- You can also add a few shakes of turmeric, a small chunk of ginger or 2 stalks of celery (chopped). If so, add after the nut butter and before the greens and blend until very smooth.
Make it freezer friendly:
- In quart-size deli containers or ziptop bags, pack in the apple, lemon, peanut butter or almond butter, turmeric/ginger/celery (if using), spinach and kale.
- Make a bunch at a time and seal and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to blend, add the contents to a blender along with 1 cup of water--no need to add ice.
- Let it sit for a few minutes so that it can defrost slightly, then use a butter knife to carefully break it up into slightly smaller chunks.
- Blend on high, using the tamper to help everything incorporate, until very smooth. Pour into glasses and sprinkle with super seed mix, if using.
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/water-plants-in-your-blanco-sink-for-no-stress-kitchen-mess-image-400w-461h.jpg "Water plants in your BLANCO sink for no stress kitchen mess")