Diary of an academic mum

 

Dr Breanne Kunstler (BBiomedSci, BHealthSci, MPhysio, PhD).  Physiotherapist, behaviour change scientist and run coach. I live in Melbourne, Australia. We have recently emerged from a pretty tough period of lockdown enforced by the government to contain the spread of COVID-19.  As of December 15, 2020, we have had over one month of no new infections and no new deaths. This good news is seeing restrictions ease and people starting to get out more. A lot of people are wanting to get back into their old exercise regime. However, as they dig their running shoes out from the back of the cupboard, many think "Am I ready for this?" Here are my top 5 things you should consider before lacing up those running shoes and jumping back into your old exercise regime. 1. How much running did I do during lockdown? Did you maintain a basic level of fitness during lockdown or did you become one with the couch? Those who maintained some level of fitness, be it simply walking around the block or ...

Get festive with these cute and tasty little pies. They are so easy and quick to make. Just make sure you prepare the pastry at least one hour before you plan to bake. This recipe will make approximately 16 pies. Ingredients Pastry 315g (2.5 cups) plain flour 1 tspn. salt 1 tbsp. white sugar  230g unsalted COLD butter (cubed) 0.25-0.5 cups of cold water  Filling 2.5 cups of pear chopped into small cubes ( you can use apple if you prefer ) 1/4 cup white or caster sugar 2 tbsp. plain flour 1 tspn. vanilla extract 1/2-1 tbsp. mixed spice (depending on taste) You can add some raisins/dried fruit to add more Christmas if you like! Method Pastry 1. Mix flour, sugar and salt together in a large bowl. 2. Add butter to flour mix. 3. Use a knife to "cut" the butter through the flour until it is combined into a crumb-like consistency. Don't use your hands as this will heat up the butter too much. 4. Slowly add the water as you continue to mix the dough until it comes together. 5. Wr...