The 1 Sign You’re A Little Too Addicted To TikTok

Posted on 18/01/2025 by Boris Clair

I’ll say it: The power TikTok has on my nighttime routine is unmatched. After I’ve popped a melatonin, brushed my teeth and settled under the covers, I’m heading to the app for funny videos and relatable content.

Whether or not TikTok is here to stay is up in the air, although it’s increasingly looking like a ban might take effect in the coming days. But until then, I think it’s safe to say I’m one of many users who enjoys the platform. From recipes and beauty trends to mood-boosting hacks and products that are actually useful, dare I say that TikTok is low-key a lifestyle hub?

As with anything, though, too much of a good thing is… well, not a good thing. At what point can endless scrolling be unhelpful, or even harmful? At what point can TikTok use point toward addiction, affect work and relationships, and even cause a sour mood?

Ahead, therapists and counsellors who specialise in addiction share a major sign you’re addicted to TikTok, why TikTok is so addicting and what to do if your usage causes problems.

The Main Sign You’re Addicted To TikTok

Addiction experts agree that one sign stands out: Your use of the app takes over your life.

“The biggest red flag is when TikTok starts to interfere with daily responsibilities or relationships,” said Michael Villarreal, the CEO of Tres Vistas Recovery, an addiction treatment centre in California. “If someone finds themselves skipping work tasks, ignoring family or friends, or struggling to keep up with school or chores because they’re too wrapped up in endless scrolling, that’s a strong sign that their usage has become very unhealthy.”

That comes down to one thing. “As with any addiction, the main indicator of a problem is lack of control,” said Beth Chippendale Katona, a licensed clinical professional counsellor and a licensed clinical addiction counsellor with Thriveworks in Kansas City, Missouri. “The individual experiences consequences and is not able to curb the behaviour.”

It’s important to note that people experiencing addiction may feel like they’re in control, but that’s not necessarily the case.

If all of that sounds a little too familiar, you’re far from the only one. Villarreal shared an example from his practice. “I once worked with a client who realised her sleep patterns were entirely off because she’d get caught up in the ‘just one more video’ loop until 3 a.m.,” he recalled.

Other Signs You’re Addicted To TikTok

Addiction and unhealthy usage can present themselves in other noteworthy ways, too. Providers urge people to look out for the following signs.

You’re constantly thinking about the app.

Whether you’re taking a break at work, going to the bathroom or fighting the need to get out of bed, an urge to watch TikTok may arise — and that’s not necessarily a great thing.

“If TikTok is the first thing you think about in the morning and the last thing before bed, or if you’re constantly replaying videos in your head during other activities, that’s a sign your brain is hyper-focused on it,” Villarreal said.

You feel emotionally dependent on it.

Feeling anxious, bored or irritable without TikTok, or relying on it for validation, are other signs of dependency, according to Villarreal.

Claire Wilson, a therapist with Kelley Counselling & Wellness, also pointed this out. “There can be abrupt shifts in mood when access to TikTok is restricted,” she said. “One may notice a tendency to frequently incorporate TikTok into discussions with others, leading to comparisons with individuals featured on the platform, which can adversely impact one’s mood and mental well-being.”

You experience physical pain.

Yep, spending too much time on TikTok can even cause physical problems, unfortunately.

“Spending hours glued to your phone can lead to physical issues like eye strain, headaches or neck pain — what some jokingly call ’tech neck,’” Villarreal said.

There are a few red flags suggesting your social media usage might be going too far.

When Is TikTok Use Unhealthy Versus A Full-Blown Addiction?

Loving TikTok isn’t necessarily an addiction, so at what point is it?

According to Wilson, it’s when “dependency may distort one’s understanding of reality, resulting in a loss of personal identity, alterations in personality, decreased self-esteem and even suicidal thoughts.”

Katona summarised her take with three key words: level of impact. When your work, school, relationships and goals suffer greatly because of TikTok, she said, you may be looking at an addiction.

“In essence, an unhealthy relationship is problematic but can usually be addressed with intentional changes, while addiction is more compulsive and often requires outside help or intervention,” she explained.

Why Scrolling On TikTok Is So Addicting

So why is it so dang easy to get lost in the sauce of TikTok? How are silly videos so engaging that they can cause real damage?

“TikTok is brilliantly designed to keep you hooked,” Villarreal said. “It’s like a slot machine: You don’t know what’s coming next, but you’re sure it’ll be entertaining, so you keep scrolling.”

Besides the way it provides endless entertainment and excitement, TikTok’s formulation is also strategic. Katona spoke to the algorithm tailoring content for you, the stress relief it provides and how it can help you feel connected to others in a more comfortable, easy way.

Wilson added that the dopamine high is “similar to a high one can get from a drug” and can even “lead to withdrawal symptoms and the onset of addiction, escalating to more serious forms of dependency.”

What To Do If You Want To Scroll Less On Social Media

“Comprehending the functionality of TikTok and its impact on users is essential,” Wilson said. “Acknowledging a potential addiction to TikTok is a crucial first step.”

The same holds true for other social media apps. Consider the following expert-backed tips:

Set limits.

Since the “just one more video” mindset can be a slippery slope (been there, done that), try to set specific, firm boundaries around how much time you want to spend on the app. For example, maybe an hour spread out over the day, or only when you’re in line at the store.

Certain tools can make this easier. Villarreal mentioned TikTok’s built-in screen time settings, which Apple phones typically have, too.

Create no-phone zones.

Villarreal suggested dedicating certain spaces — like your bedroom or the dinner table — as tech-free areas. “This helps you reconnect with life outside the screen,” he said.

Find new habits or hobbies.

What else do you like to do in your downtime? That may be an easier, more enjoyable way to replace screen time.

Examples of activities Villarreal mentioned include reading, walking and other hobbies. Maybe it’s time to finally meet that reading goal or even bring back the hot girl walk.

Get curious.

Feel a compulsion to get on the app? Ask yourself why.

“Are you bored, stressed or avoiding something?” Villarreal asked. “Address the root feeling instead of escaping into the app.”

For example, maybe you’re trying to avoid an uncomfortable feeling that’s better addressed, at least long-term, in therapy. Or maybe you’re bored and realise pursuing another weeknight activity would fulfil you more.

Seek support.

You’re not alone in this journey. Besides having settings and goals to help keep you accountable, you can also talk to someone.

“If you’re struggling to cut back, talk to someone, maybe a trusted friend, therapist or support group,” Villarreal said. “There’s no shame in reaching out for help.”

Looking for a therapist who specialises in addiction or practices cognitive behavioral therapy may be especially fruitful. CBT is a type of therapy that looks at a person’s thoughts and how they affect mood and behaviour.

“This method aids in restructuring cognitive patterns and unlearning detrimental habits, while also equipping individuals with coping strategies and alternatives,” Wilson explained.

Group therapy may also be advantageous, she added. For example, users may benefit from a Media Addicts Anonymous group, which is similar to the more commonly known Alcoholics Anonymous.

TL;DR? “It’s normal to enjoy social media, but the distinction lies in impact,” Villarreal said. “Unhealthy use becomes a full-blown addiction when it starts significantly disrupting someone’s mental, emotional or physical health.”

At that point or earlier, these suggestions may be needed for truly happier living.

Dental Hygienist Warns Against The 1 Flossing Mistake We All Make

Posted on 11/01/2025 by Boris Clair

I saw a tweet (well, post on X) in which someone advised, “only floss the teeth you want to keep”. I reached for the minty spool pretty swiftly after reading that.

But, after viewing a TikTok post from dental hygienist Anna Peterson, I’ve realised my efforts may have been in vain ― turns out, I’ve been flossing my teeth wrong for years.

“Do you know how deep you’re meant to go with floss?” Peterson began the video, quoting a question that had been asked of her in the comments of another TikTok video.

“The only way for me to properly answer is to show it to you,” the dental hygienist revealed.

Spoiler ― it’s further than you think

Tearing off a length of dental tape, Anna Peterson said, “when it comes to flossing, it’s really important that you do go to the right depth, or you won’t be doing it effectively, and you could still have gum disease, even though you’re flossing.”

She then revealed that “the floss needs to go to the gum level and then some more,” sharing a closeup that revealed a thin strip of dental floss sliding into the curve at the top of her tooth (I was surprised, too).

That’s possible, she says, because “the gum is not attached to the actual crown of the tooth, and the crown of the tooth is the bit that we can actually see.”

Instead, the gum attaches to the root of the tooth ― there’s no direct attachment between the front of your gnashers and your gums. I’m still reeling from that.

“This means that bacteria are in between that bit of gum and crown of the tooth that we can’t see,” the dental hygienist said. “And it’s why it’s so important that with the floss, we are going right up and under.”

She then shared that, if your gums are healthy, you can go about 1-3mm in depth. “Keep doing it, even if it’s bleeding,” she advises.

Well, that’s changed how I clean my teeth forever…

This Is How Long You’re Only Meant To Sit On The Toilet For

Posted on 11/01/2025 by Boris Clair

I hope this isn’t too disgusting to share, but honestly, I’ve long maintained that a sneaky five-minute sit-and-scroll on the loo is one of the greatest pleasures in life.

But if colorectal surgeon Karen Zaghiyan, MD, is to be believed, we all need to ensure we’re not sitting on the loo for too long.

In a video, the surgeon shared ten things she’d never do as a colorectal surgeon. Along with not using wet wipes and avoiding colonics, Zaghiyan says she “would never sit [for] more than five minutes on the toilet.” (gulp).

Why?

It’s all to do with strain ― which you should avoid where possible when going number two.

Many of us will be aware that not drinking enough water or eating enough fibre can cause constipation, hard-to-pass stools, and subsequent fissures, haemorrhoids, and more.

But it turns out that simply sitting on the can might take its own toll on your tushy.

“Sitting, especially if you are finished having a bowel movement or waiting to have a bowel movement and you’re just sitting there and scrolling the internet looking at social media, is really bad for your haemorrhoids,” the surgeon shared.

That’s because “there’s a vacuum effect on the toilet that pulls on the hemorrhoidal veins and aggravates them.”

So, your seemingly harmless number two routine could be causing you more bowels more harm than good ― especially if you’re sitting for more than five minutes.

What if I need that much time to get the job done?

“If you have not finished or begun your bowel movement in five minutes, get up, come back another time when you have the urge to go again,” Zaghiyan says.

“But do not sit there a long time ― obviously, this varies and it’s different for people that have gut conditions, have had surgeries, etc. ― I’m not talking about that, I’m talking about the average Joe who’s just sitting there spending half an hour in the toilet. Do not do that,” she finished.

Well, that’s us told…

I’ve Found The Secret To Fluffy Jacket Potatoes In Under 7 Minutes

Posted on 27/12/2024 by Boris Clair

Jacket potatoes are so close to being the perfect midweek winter meal. They’re filling; they’re tasty; they go with basically anything. They’re also cheap, and spuds take much longer to go off than lots of other veggies.

But there’s one problem; it feels like you can basically while away an entire evening waiting for them to cook in an oven.

I can hear the purists now – and yes, I do agree that a lot of the time, the extra wait time is worth it. It’s a great way to ensure perfect, fluffy spuds with delicate, crispy skins, and other cooking methods (like air frying) take a similar amount of time.

But hear me out ― thanks to TikTok, I’ve been converted to a 10-minute microwave jacket potato-cooking method (yes, really).

What’s the method?

TikToker @harley.salem shared a microwave-based recipe for fluffy, crispy jacket spuds – and it’s racked up almost two hundred thousand likes.

The method is pretty simple: you wash the potato, shallowly stab it with a fork a LOT, deeply stab it with a fork a few times, and then wrap the spud in wet kitchen roll.

Place the damp parcel in the microwave for six minutes, and then carefully remove the VERY HOT cooked spud from your microwave. We recommend doing this with a tool like tongs, as it’s literally steaming at this point.

Then, also using a tool like tongs, peel the kitchen roll away from the potato ― et voila, you’ve got a perfectly fluffy spud.

If your spud isn’t fully cooked by the time it’s come out of the microwave, that’s simple to fix – simply re-wrap it in more damp kitchen roll and let it microwave for a couple more minutes (the bigger the spud, the longer you’ll need).

Why does it work?

Wrapping potatoes in wet kitchen roll is “crucial” for a moist and fluffy interior, according to Tasting Table.

Potatoes are pretty watery, however microwaving them can cause all of this water to evaporate really quickly, drying out your beloved baked spud.

The thinking is that wrapping the potato in wet kitchen roll acts as an “evaporation buffer” helping the spud to retain enough moisture to stay fluffy and delicious.

“Best hack ever … sooo easy,” one commenter shared on TikTok. And having tried it myself, I completely agree – the texture is so far from the soggy, grainy mess microwaves sometimes create.

I will say that it’s not the crispiest skin I’ve ever eaten on a potato and the damp kitchen roll gets very, very hot, so you need to be careful (we weren’t joking about those tongs).

But for speed, efficiency and overall flavour, this gets a solid 9/10 from me.

The Best Christmas Leftovers Recipe Is Made In An Air Fryer

Posted on 26/12/2024 by Boris Clair

Don’t get me wrong ― I love leftovers. But after day two of bubble and squeak and this (delicious) roast potato hash, I’m getting desperate for a different way to repackage my uneaten roast veggies.

Thankfully, the best recipe I’ve found is a fuss-free air fryer recipe that creates zero washing-up ― an easy, goes-with-everything air fryer frittata.

Back in June, TikToker and nutritionist Emma Claire shared a foolproof recipe for air fryer frittatas that’s ready in under 15 minutes ― and having recently tried a Christmas leftover variation, I can confirm that it’s as delicious as it is easy.

To start with, you’ll need to line the airy fryer basket with baking paper so that it covers the sides of the basket, too. You can also use specially-designed paper air fryer inserts if you have them ― so long as the base and sides are protected from the eggs.

Then, drizzle some olive oil on the paper before cracking six eggs into the basket. Claire chucked in her veggies at this point ― I used sliced Brussels sprouts, some fairly small roast potato cubes, old broccoli, and peas. Use whatever you have leftover.

Then, add whatever seasoning you like ― Emma Claire went with paprika on top of regular salt and pepper. I like chilli flakes in mine too, but that’s the beauty of the recipe ― you can personalise it to your exact taste and supplies.

Then, add a thin layer of grated cheese to the top and cook for 15 minutes at 180°C.

“I sliced it in half to make two servings ― perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner,” Claire shared. I also found it’s perfect for two!

TikTok Says These 2 Sounds Can Get Cats To Come To You ― Here’s What The Experts Think

Posted on 21/11/2024 by Boris Clair

I’ll put my hands up ― I straight-up didn’t believe the TikTok trend that saw cats come to their owner’s side as if a dog had been called by name, thanks to two short sounds.

″‘Mah-AH’… means, come here [in cat],” a vet shared on the app. Video after video of cat owners using the trick to summon their furry friends played in quick succession, but I wondered whether it was all just hype.

So, I reached out to three cat experts ― vet Dr Liza Cahn, a consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, Mieshelle Nagelschneider, cat behaviour specialist and owner of The Cat Behaviour Clinic, and veterinarian expert Dr Dwight Alleyne ― about the trend.

And?

“Many of our cat clients have tried ‘Ma-AH’ with their cats and have had immediate results,” Nagelschneider told HuffPost UK.

“Even with our own cats, we can call them over and over again with ‘come here’ with no response and then with ‘ma-AH,’ it definitely gets their attention.”

Dr Alleyne, however, says “The effectiveness of this will depend on multiple factors.”

Cats may simply find the sound novel and appealing, he told HuffPost UK, and “the owner may have unknowingly conditioned their cat to the sound through a positive interaction.”

Dr Cahn agrees, sharing that “If your cat comes, they are most likely responding to your tone of voice and body language. This response will also be reinforced if they receive praise or treats.”

All three experts agreed that “mah-AH” could well work to get cats to come closer to you ― but the two vets weren’t convinced the tones had anything intrinsically appealing to the pets.

In other words, “mah-AH” will probably work depending on your cat’s temperament ― but it’s not quite the same as saying “come here” in cat.

So… what is?

Even Nagelschneider, who seemed most convinced by “mah-AH,” said there are other sounds ― like a kitten’s “mew-mew-mew” ― which will elicit a similar response.

Dr Alleyne told HuffPost UK that a lot of combinations of soothing sounds and cupboard love will get your cat to heel ― “Other methods that may work better include the actual calling of the cat’s name, using treats or clickers, or using a high pitched sound or tone to get them to come,” he wrote.

Dr Cahn says that despite what you might have heard, training cats isn’t as tough as you’d think.

“To train your cat to come when called, first, choose a cue word (such as “come” or “here”) and a high-value reward like a tasty treat or favourite toy,” she told HuffPost UK.

“You can either wait until your cat naturally approaches you, or get them to head your way by luring them with the treat or toy. Use the cue word just as they arrive, and immediately give them their reward.”

Over time you can increase the distance ― over time, your cat will learn to associate the reward with responding to your call.

So, “mah-AH” may not be a magic word; but positive reinforcement, high-pitched sounds, and new experiences are a pretty great way to train your cat regardless.

In that sense, the trick is likely to work at least some of the time.

The ‘Winter Arc’ Challenge Is All Over Social Media. But What Does It Mean?

Posted on 02/10/2024 by Boris Clair

I like to think I’m aware of most internet trends.

I’ve been on team Moo Deng and Pesto since day one, I’m all over autumn’s Tavern Food trend and I even like finding niche Subreddit obsessions.

But it took a rise in Google searches for “winter arc” for me to learn about the challenge.

If that seems odd, given that one TikTok about the topic has gained almost 24 million views at the time of writing, perhaps that’s because I don’t have much gym content on my FYP (working out seems to be a big part of many people’s “winter arc”).

If you’re as unfamiliar with, or confused by, the trend – the most popular video of which shows a man simply shaving his head – as I was, allow us to explain.

In its most basic form, it’s about transforming yourself over winter

The “winter arc” refers to the “90 days before the end of the year where you can get ahead of the ‘New Year, new me’ crowd and hit your goals,” TikToker @jessback2earth explains.

That means that yesterday, October 1, was the start date of the “winter arc”, which is basically an early New Year’s resolution.

Some people are signing a “winter arc contract” with themselves, establishing the rules of their new resolutions.

The main categories seem to revolve around working out, dieting and generally “glowing up,” however.

The tone of some “winter arc” videos seems needlessly punishing – lots of them are shot with gloomy greyscale colouring, and show people working out in the pouring rain.

Others, which warn “bro, it’s gonna get cold out… trust me” are a little hard not to wince at – it can run a bit Fight Club-esque.

Perhaps that’s why one video, which calls “mfs who unironically say ‘winter arc’” “cornballs” and uses the hashtag “cringe”, has gotten almost 70k views.

Still, as a TikToker commented on that clip, “it’s all about improvement at the end of the day.”

Should I do a ‘winter arc’?

Depends on what your “rules” are.

Some – like this TikTok which suggests breaking off any relationship to avoid “distractions” – are obviously quite silly.

In fact, isolation seems to be a big part of many winter arc rules – a Redditor claims they’ll “reject all social events with no purpose for three months” and avoid “girls”.

That’s a bit of an issue, seeing as socialising can be extra-important during the winter months.

Some posts, which promote exercising and getting sunlight in the winter, can be beneficial as vitamin D levels drop in the colder months and many of us stop working out just as our bodies need the benefits of exercise the most.

But, as with New Year’s resolutions, they can run the risk of being extreme and self-defeating, especially as Christmas, Halloween, and other festivities roll around.

Why are people shaving their heads for a ‘winter arc’?

Still confused as to why that buzz-cut video we mentioned earlier has gotten so many views? TikToker @jayboogz2x has answers.

His “number one” winter arc rule is that “you’ve gotta go the buzz cut route”.

That’s because, he said, “that way you ain’t even thinking about your hair – you’re thinking about how you can level up”.

Other “distractions” include video games, masturbation, and sleeping ”’til 8 or 9 am”, the creator said.

We’re not saying a “winter arc” is inherently bad, and a lot of commenters disagree with its most extreme adherents, instead using the time to self-reflect and maybe get a few more gym sessions in.

But if, as TikToker @lenalifts says, your “new January 1st is October 1st,” remember to set reasonable, safe expectations.

And if possible, keep attending “social events with no purpose” as the nights grow longer.

I’m A Doctor ― This Common Gut Health Buy May Be A Waste Of Money

Posted on 12/08/2024 by Boris Clair

It’s well-known that if you’re going on antibiotics, you’ll need to supplement the tablets with probiotics to protect your gut’s microbiome, right?

The medication wipes out the “good” bacteria along with the bad, and you need something like a specially-designed probiotic drink to restore it, the common argument goes.

But Dr. Karan Rajan, who’s known for spreading his medical know-how on TikTok, recently shared a video explaining that the relationship isn’t as straightforward as that.

Why not?

“Whilst there are some strains of bacteria known to have a protective effect at reducing the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, there’s no guarantee your average supermarket probiotic [drinks] contain these strains, even if they claim to,” he says.

“And even if they do contain it, are they even alive or present in sufficient concentrations to have any effect?” he asked.

He’s not alone in doubting the supermarket supplement.

Women’s Health writes that “the benefits [of supermarket probiotic drinks] are negligible,” with or without antibiotic use; dietitian Sophie Medlin told Which?, ”[the effect of probiotic supplements] depends on what bacteria is already present in your gut. This is why it’s hard to prove probiotics offer the same benefit to everyone.”

Medlin and Women’s Health both agree that research into the effectiveness of probiotic drinks is thin on the ground.

It’s not that nobody thinks any probiotic drink can help; it’s just that proving they do can be harder than you’d think.

“The jury is still out about which strains and which dosages are the most effective,” Dr. Karan Rajan says.

“So instead of spending your money on [probiotic drinks], there is something more evidence-based and effective that you can do during and after taking antibiotics.”

Which is?

I hate to be this person, but; plain ol’ fruits and veggies, apparently.

“Add more prebiotic fibres to your meals,” the doctor advised. “These plant fibres feed and encourage the growth of the existing good bugs.”

He added that “you can get these prebiotics in the form of supplements like psyllium husks or fibre-rich plants ― fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses.”

The doctor went on to say that brightly-coloured plants “tend to have a higher concentration of polyphenols, which our good gut bugs love.”

“Instead of these store-bought probiotics, go for the stuff naturally found in food ― they’re more likely to contain live bacteria in the form of lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which happen to be two of the most researched strains of probiotics,” Dr. Rajan ended his video.

Of course, listen to your doctor first, and if you’ve noticed benefits from drinking probiotic drinks then continue enjoying them.

Though some argue there’s not much proof for their effectiveness, there’s no definitive proof they don’t work, either.

But as dietician Kaitlin Colucci told Which?, while they “can be beneficial” for people who are unwell, “For healthy people without symptoms there’s no need to take probiotic supplements.”

The 1 Thing That Will Make Your Bathroom More Dementia-Friendly

Posted on 10/08/2024 by Boris Clair

According to the NHS, research shows there are more than 944,000 people in the UK who have dementia, and this is only increasing as people are lving longer.

The NHS also state that in the early stages of dementia, sufferers may be able to live at home, continuing to enjoy doing the things they have always done and having an active social life.

However, there are steps you or a carer can take at home to make the condition easier to manage and offset the more difficult days of dementia.

Now, Dementia UK have shared tips for making bathrooms more dementia-friendly

On their TikTok channel, a specialist dementia nursing charity have shared their tips for making bathrooms more dementia-friendly, and they’re really simple.

Most notably, the charity recommend using brightly-coloured towels which, as well as just making your bathroom a little more colourful, will stand out more on the towel rail and make spotting them easier.

Additionally, the experts recommend that if you have a fabric bathmat, this should be rolled up when not in use to prevent trips and falls.

While this is probably just good practice in general, NHS Inform urge that dementia sufferers are at a higher risk, saying: “There are different personal risk factors that cause people to fall, however, people with dementia are at greater risk because they: are more likely to experience problems with mobility, balance and muscle weakness.”

Dementia UK offer more tips for making bathrooms accessible

On their website, Dementia UK recommend the following steps for making bathrooms a safer place for dementia sufferers:

Stick a written sign or a picture of a toilet to the door to help the person identify the bathroom
Leave the bathroom light on at night to help the person find their way
Fit a toilet lid and seat in a different colour from the toilet itself to make it more visible
Use a free-standing toilet roll holder. These are easier to see than wall-mounted holders, and putting it right next to the toilet means the person does not have to stretch and potentially lose their balance – but if the person is prone to falls, be aware that they may be a trip hazard
Install rails or handles at useful points such as in the bath/shower and next to the toilet
Provide a bath or shower seat if the person has mobility or balance problems
Use flood and scald prevention plugs in the basin and bath

I Just Learned Why Lemons Look So Juicy On TV, And Frankly I Feel Betrayed

Posted on 08/07/2024 by Boris Clair

We’ve written before at HuffPost UK about how forecasters know where to point on green screens when announcing the weather.

We’ve even shared how actors manage to look so, well, dead while playing corpses; so you’d think we’d be pretty familiar with Hollywood magic by now.

But it never even occurred to me ― until now, at least ― to ask how lemons on TV look so darn juicy.

It took a TikTok from director and filmmaker David Ma, who shoots commercials and movies alike, to realise that what I’d been seeing on-screen had been a scam all along.

How?

He started his video with a syringe, injecting water into a plump slice of lemon.

“This is the trick to getting the perfect squeeze,” he captioned his video, revealing a slow-mo shot of the artificially juiced-up citrus splashing its droplets of lies over some broccoli.

I knew stars tended to use more injectables than we think, but I wasn’t aware the procedure extended to their dinner.

Other sneaky food-filming tricks include placing a water-soaked, microwaved tampon behind a bowl of food to create the illusion of a steaming meal and using acrylic ice cubes (which don’t melt) for cold drink campaigns.

Meanwhile, most on-screen “ice cream” is basically a form of buttercream made from vegetable shortening, corn syrup, and icing sugar.

Oh, and that “frost” on the glass of beer in adverts? Yeah, that’s more than likely aerosol deodorant sprayed onto the container to give the illusion of cold condensation.

Don’t even get me started on poultry in adverts, which is usually so raw it’s bloody on the inside (!!) and brushed with dish soap to get that perfect glisten.

**People had thoughts in the comments**

“Here I’ve been thinking I had all dry lemons for the last 10 years,” one commenter wrote.

“Not lemon filler…” another commented.

“I thought those gains were natural,” yet another TikTok user joked about the falsely turgid segment.

Looks like Hollywood’s not above setting unrealistic beauty standards for fruit, too…