Things to Try in Isolation

In Australia, we are in isolation (iso) which means we can only go outside for essential services or exercise. For someone who always thought they didn’t have enough time, I now have more time than ever.

So what am I doing with all this free time?

Keep reading to find out what I tried, how it turned out and whether I would do it again. I hope this inspires you to try a few things and make the most of this crazy time.

Sourdough Bread (including the starter)

This one has been on my list for a while and was the one I was most excited for. It turned out pretty good considering it was my first time and I didn't have all the equipment. It had lots of flavour, nice crust but was pretty dense not nice and airy that you expect from a sourdough.

Pros

• It was a pretty rewarding experience to make bread from scratch

• It killed a lot of time haha

• It tasted nice and I new exactly what it was made from

Cons

• Feeding the sourdough starter was very wasteful. You throw out most of the starter every day to feed it again with more flour - I googled recipes for leftover starter but I wasn't going to be baking something every day so it just wasn't realistic.

• It was more expensive than buying a fresh loaf from a bakery. There is a lot of flour that goes into making the starter. Not to mentioned if you were to invest in the proper equipment like a proofing basket to make it the bread even better.

• The sourdough starter attracted a lot of fruit flies

Verdict

I don't think I will be making this again. I will leave it to the professionals and continue to support my local community. Shout out to all the bakers out there, I have a newfound respect for what you do.

Resources

Sourdough starter recipe

Sourdough recipe

Ingredients available at The Source Bulk Foods

Kimchi

I wasn't sure if this was going to work at first, the recipe I found said to ferment it for 1-2 days, but it didn't have the right flavour. I did some more research and found a few other websites saying 5-7 days as it depends on the temperature and your preference. After leaving it a few days longer my concerns were gone as it actually tasted like Kimchi YUSSSS!

Pros

• Surprisingly easy to make

• Very versatile, you can add different veggies or spices you like

• Cheaper than buying it from the shop

• Full of gut loving goodness

Cons

• Whilst fermenting on the bench it had a funny smell. But once the fermentation was done and I put it into the fridge the smell was gone

Verdict

I would make this again it was so easy and cheap to make. Next time I will double down on the ginger and add some extra chilli mmmm

Resources

Kimchi recipe

Ingredients including Korean Chili Flakes are available at Harris Farm

Start a Blog

I have been wanting to start a blog for years. I kept making excuses like I didn't have enough time, but really I was afraid of failure. When iso hit, I couldn't use my go-to excuse anymore because I had nothing but time.

So I bit the bullet and just did it and I am enjoying it sooo much.

Pros

• Finally doing something I have been wanting to do for a long time

• Loving the creative side and giving me something else to stimulate my mind

• Learning something new every day

Cons

• None

Verdict

I am glad I did it and would encourage anyone out there thinking about it, to just to do. You will never know what you can achieve unless you give it a crack

Convict Conditioning

When my gym closed I was devastated, I lost my therapy and I was worried I would lose all the progress I have been making, specifically with my Calisthenics training. But then I found Convict Conditioning. It takes you back to basics and breaks down the fundamental Calisthenics movements like pullups and pistol squats into different progressions for a complete beginner to super advanced. I say super advanced because it takes you all the way to one handed pullups and pushups…CRAZY

Pros

• Need little to no equipment

• Designed for small spaces

• Options for all levels including complete beginners

• Feeling muscles I never knew I had

Cons

• It can be a bit tedious at times as you are doing the movements slow and controlled (2 seconds down, pause for 1 second, 2 seconds up, reset

Verdict

I am enjoying it and going to stick with it. I can feel it strengthening muscles that I didn't normally engage. I know it is making me stronger and will compliment my previous training when things get back to normal and I go back to the gym.

Resources

Convict Conditioning Book

Danish Rye Bread

COMING SOON!!! Wish me luck 😊

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Have you tried any of these yet? Let me know in the comments below how you went or if you have any other ideas on what to try in isolation.

Don't forget to tag me on Instagram @happyhealthybe so I can see what you have achieved 😊.