How to Get a Sourdough Starter Going (And Why It’s Good for You)

Okay, let’s get real. Sourdough bread is not only delicious, but it’s also one of the most beneficial fermented foods you can add to your diet. The magic happens in the fermentation process of your sourdough starter, where wild yeast and bacteria break down sugars in the dough, making it easier to digest. For women (and really, everyone), fermented foods like sourdough can improve gut health, boost immunity, and even support mental well-being. So, yeah, you might be getting your carb fix, but you’re also doing your body a solid.

Ready to dive into the sourdough world?

What’s a Sourdough Starter, Anyway?

In case you’re new to the sourdough game, a starter is simply a mixture of flour and water that’s left to ferment and grow wild yeast and bacteria (good ones, of course). These little guys are what make your bread rise and give it that tangy flavor we all love in sourdough.

Getting Started: What You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to kickstart your sourdough starter:

What You’ll Need to Get Started

A spoon or spatula – I swear by a long-handled silicone spoon. It’s easy to clean, and it keeps your starter from coming into contact with metal, which it tends to dislike.g.

Flour – Bread flour is your best bet. It’s high in protein, which helps build structure and makes for a strong, healthy starter. Whole wheat or rye are great to kick things off thanks to their extra nutrients, but honestly, you can use just about anything except bleached flour (that stuff’s dead inside).

Water – Filtered is best. If you’re using tap, make sure it’s not chlorinated—chlorine messes with fermentation and we don’t need that drama.

A kitchen scale – Non-negotiable. This isn’t the time to eyeball it. The only way to truly know what you’re feeding your starter is by weighing it. Sourdough’s fussy and thrives on consistency.

A jar or container – Glass is ideal so you can watch the magic happen (bubbles, rise, fall—it’s a whole show).

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Starter Going

Day 1: The First Mix

• In your jar, combine 50 grams of flour with 50 grams of water. Stir until smooth.

• Cover loosely with a cloth or plastic wrap—let it breathe, but keep the weirdos (a.k.a. bugs) out.

• Leave it at room temperature for 24 hours.

That’s it! It’s a slow start, but trust the process—things are brewing in there.

Day 2: A Little More Action

• You might not see much yet, and that’s normal. You’re looking for tiny bubbles or the tiniest rise.

• Discard half of your mixture (yes, even though it feels wasteful—it’s part of the magic). Add another 50g flour + 50g water, stir well.

• Let it hangout for another 24 hours.

Day 3: Something’s Happening (Kind of)

You might see a rise today—but don’t get too excited. This is often a false rise caused by early gas from bacteria, not real fermentation. Totally normal! Keep feeding and don’t bake just yet.

Repeat the same steps: discard half, feed 50g flour + 50g water, and wait another day.

Day 4 & 5: Keep Feeding

At this point, your starter should be smelling a little tangy and showing some bubbles. Maybe even rising and falling a bit—great sign!

Still: discard half, feed fresh flour + water daily.

Day 6 (or up to 14): The Real Test

Here’s where the magic kicks in. You’ll know your starter is really coming alive if it:

• Smells pleasantly sour and tangy
• Rises and falls predictably
• Doubles in size within 4–6 hours of feeding

Important: One good rise doesn’t mean it’s ready. Wait for at least 3 days of consistent daily rise before calling it strong enough to bake with.

Fermented Foods & Why They’re Awesome for Women

Now, why does sourdough get the “superfood” title? It’s all about fermentation. Fermented foods like sourdough are loaded with probiotics, the good bacteria that help balance your gut microbiome. Why’s that important for women? A healthy gut is linked to better digestion, improved immunity, and even a more stable mood. Plus, fermented foods are great for hormone regulation—especially when it comes to balancing estrogen and progesterone levels. Oh, and did I mention they’re easier on your digestive system? So you can enjoy all that bread without the bloat.

Ready to Bake

Getting a sourdough starter going is way easier than it sounds. And with the added benefits of fermented foods for your gut and hormones, you’re doing more than just baking bread—you’re making something good for your body. So grab your jar, get your flour, and start the journey to tangy, delicious sourdough. Your gut (and taste buds) will thank you!

Ready to turn that bubbly baby into a real loaf?

Head HERE to learn how to start baking with your starter.