Category Archives: TikTok

The Simple Reason Why You’ve Been Storing Your Cheese Wrong

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Have you found that no matter how well you seal plastic food bags, cheese always tends to go off inside of them very quickly?

Yes, me too. I find myself reaching for the cheese a couple of days later, only to see that it’s suddenly inedible.

Well, it’s not because we haven’t sealed them effectively, according to one medical expert. It’s much more simple than that and in part comes down to the types of cheese we’re having.

Dr Karan Rajan explained in a recent TikTok video that if you’ve been wrapping your cheese in food bags, you’ve been setting yourself up for failure.

How to properly store cheese

So if, like me, you thought that most foods could be refrigerated in the same way, this will be a cold awakening. (Sorry.)

Dr Rajan explained: “Once you finish gobbling your cheese like a hungry little rat, try and avoid putting your cheese in a plastic bag. Especially softer cheeses which have a higher water content.”

These include Havati, Mozzarella, and Gouda.

He said: “This is because moisture can get trapped in the plastic bag and cover the cheese surface. This provides a breeding ground for bacteria and mould — and not the tasty kind.”

Instead, Dr Rajan recommends using cheese paper, which actually is a thing, yes. Alternatively, parchment paper is a good choice, too.

If you are still keen to use plastic bags, Dr Rajan recommends first wrapping the cheese in wax, parchment or cheese paper before placing it inside of the bag.

Fortunately, harder cheeses like Parmigiano can withstand plastic bags no problem.

He did also point out that you could just eat the food very quickly, ‘for science, of course’ and to reduce food waste.

Of course.

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TikTok Creators Are Telling Us To Go Sunscreen-Free, WTF Is Going On?

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In an era of widespread misinformation, it’s perhaps not surprising that people are now shirking sunscreen. Why not, eh?

Currently on TikTok, the hashtag #AntiSunscreen has amassed over 5.3 million views.

Over on X (formerly Twitter) influencer Gubba Homestead said in a video that amassed 1.2 million views: “I don’t wear sunscreen, and I never will. We blame the sun for cancer when we should be blaming our diets… Sunscreen and a poor diet will make you sick.”

Additionally, data from Glam reveals that this trend is having an impact on Google searches with searches for “Does sunscreen cause cancer” increasing by 160% in the past 30 days.

This is particularly frustrating as Cancer Research UK revealed this year that rates of the skin cancer melanoma — which is caused primarily by UV rays — are at the highest ever in the UK.

Alarmingly, as little as five cases of sunburn in a lifetime increase the risk of skin cancer melanoma, which can spread to other organs.

Experts urge people to apply sunscreen

This trend is not something experts approve of, or recommend.

Dr. Mariano Busso, a Beverly Hills board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, spoke with Glam and said: “Seeking health advice from content creators can be dangerous.

“Using sunscreen has been scientifically proven to protect skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light, including both UVB and UVA rays. By not using sunscreen, you are greatly increasing your odds of sun cancer.”

There is no proof that sunscreen causes cancer, but there is plenty of evidence that not protecting your skin against the sun can lead to skin cancers.

Studies show that regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen, when used as directed, can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent.

How often to apply sunscreen

According to John Hopkins Medicine: “Generally, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

“If you work indoors and sit away from windows, you may not need a second application.”

I’d listen only to experts when it comes to cancer, TBH.

TikTok Community Guidelines strictly do not allow harmful misinformation, including medical misinformation that may cause negative health effects.

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Daters, Meet “Pebbling” ― The Penguin-Based Dating Trend Social Media Loves

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We’ve written before at HuffPost UK about “tolyamory,” where one or both partners silently permits the infidelity of another without ever explicitly addressing it.

We’ve covered the “orange peel” and “Dorito” dating tests, too. But what’s “pebbling” ― a penguin-inspired dating trend I keep seeing on my For You Page?

A viral TikTok from @jakeyboiarts describes it as giving “someone a bunch of something because you’re thinking about them, for example, a penguin that gives a pebble to another penguin they love.”

The video, which has earned over 640k views as of the time of writing, explained that “pebbling online is like someone who gets videos, memes, whatever, and you send them to someone.”

What’s that got to do with dating?

It doesn’t have to. Another TikTok video by autism-specialising therapist @myautistictherapist suggested that “the way [many autistic people] share love is through giving information” ― “pebbling” facts, as it were.

And that love can be for friends and family as well as partners. “A lot of the autistic people on this app are showing the world love by sharing what they know,” the therapist said; of course, the same goes for anyone else. It’s a little gift for those you love.

But seeing as the Gentoo penguin-based habit it’s based on is used for amorous avian couples, the trend has taken on a romantic hue on social media ― and the pros seem to approve.

Older forms of “pebbling,” like giving someone a gift, bringing them home a snack, or even telling them about a part of your day that made you think of them have existed for as long as love has, Psychology Today points out.

But relationship expert Gigi Engle told Metro.co.uk that the newer, online application is great for couples; “I think it’s the cutest thing ever because memes are a love language these days,” she said.

“Pebbling started with the advent of meme sending as a form of creating a connection with people… It can definitely strengthen a relationship because it’s similar to sending a message saying, ‘I saw this and thought of you,’” the romance expert added.

So… it’s always good?

As with anything else, you can have too much of a cute thing.

App user @jakeyboiarts’ TikTok references opening your phone to “hundreds” of notifications ― that might be overwhelming to some (it’s me, I’m ‘some’).

Engle also told Metro that, “Pebbling does have the potential to set an expectation of communication you’re going to have throughout your relationship, so that’s something to keep in mind.” Your partner may feel hurt if you’re unable to keep up the pebble pace for long.

And in the same article, dating expert Drew Wyllie of Pure dating app, advised that “What is deemed sweet and thoughtful for someone, may be irrelevant for someone else” and suggested pebblers “make a mental note of your partner’s likes and dislikes as well as their daily behaviours so you can make your presents more relevant.”

“Pebbling alone is not going to get you far,” Psychology Today adds, stating that the memes should be a jumping-off point for deeper connections and not your main romantic meeting point.

Still, though, if you are your beau have a sweet meme exchange going, then take it from the Gentoo gents and keep it rolling.

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People Are Realising How Crocodiles Actually Float, And I Haven’t Stopped Laughing

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I can only apologise for our sharing the fact that alligator penises are pretty much constantly erect.

But if it helps to make up for it, we have a far more uplifting (bad word choice?) bit of info about crocodilian creatures ― crocodiles swim, or at least float, in a really, really, reassuringly stupid way.

A presenter for CTV This Morning shared in 2020, “You know when a crocodile you see on the surface of the water looks so scary… what you don’t know is what they look like under the water.”

Which is?

In a clip shared on TikTok by@animals012, a crocodile was seen floating in a clear-sided tank.

The vessel allowed the camera user to see the rest of the croc’s body under its menacing head ― a body which was simply dangling straight below its intimidating snout like a fishing float.

Turns out there’s some serious science behind the spectacle. National Geographic writes that crocodiles and alligators “use their lungs like floats, and shift them about their torso using four sets of muscles.”

Zoologist Adam Britton told Newsweek, “The legs are splayed in a classic stabilising manner [in the viral video], and you can see the belly is enlarged because the lungs are extended toward the belly so pushing the guts into a smaller space.”

He added, “The only difference [in the video] is the crocodile has its body angled down at a steep angle, which is more common with juveniles and sub-adults.”

However, the croc is floating rather than swimming, as swimming involves moving their tail or legs ― unless the current is helping them along.

Nonetheless National Geographic says that floating is how crocs sneak up on their prey as thrashing legs and tails might give them away.

So depending on how deep the water is, crocs with murder on their minds might well bob their way to their prey like the one in the video.

The post recently got a second life

A re-post of the clip by CASTROVANIA, shared last month, garnered some incredulous comments on TikTok.

“It’s 4 AM, I can’t breathe,” one commenter said, while another wrote, “I refuse to believe this.”

“What Instagram sees vs. reality,” another TikToker commented.

“Is nobody gonna talk about how he’s moving without moving?” yet another app user asked.

All I know is I’m going to find those cinematic shots of crocodile eyes peering perilously over the water a lot, lot less scary from now on…

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UK Gardeners Warned About This Watering Mistake Which Could Ruin Plants

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If you’re a keen gardener, you may be looking forward to the coming months as you fill your garden with plants, flowers, and even vegetables – but did you know that you may have actually been watering your plants wrong?

Yep, it turns out that there is a right way to water plants and it definitely isn’t just pouring water from a watering can over them the way that some of us are used to doing.

So, what is the right way to water plants?

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), there is an art to watering plants, especially if you hope to avoid wasting water and give your plants the best possible chance at flourishing.

According to the RHS, the best time to water is in the mornings as this is when the sun rises and plants will start to use water. They added: “The foliage and soil surface is also likely to stay drier for longer than evening watering, discouraging slugs, snails and mildew diseases.”

Each individual plant has its own watering schedule so it is worth researching the plants growing in your garden to figure out a schedule for keeping them hydrated and thriving.

When you are watering plants, especially if you’re using a watering can, it’s essential to water them at the roots. This is because wet or humid foliage encourages fungal problems and evaporation from surfaces.

The RHS added: “Watering more thoroughly, but less frequently helps get the water down to the deeper root tips.

“It is better to water the garden before drought really sets in, to keep the soil moisture levels even and avoid the soil being continuously dry.”

However, the society warned that soil doesn’t have to be really wet all the time because plants need air as well as water to grow.

What is the best water to use on outdoor plants?

According to the RHS, rainwater is actually best as it’s freely available if you are able to store it. Additionally, tap water requires treatment and often contains more minerals than many plants need.

Who knew?!

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The 3 Major Reasons Why Women Get Much Worse Healthcare Than Men

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Following a TikTok user pointing out that her partner received more aftercare following his vasectomy than she did after giving birth, Dr Karan Raj stepped in to explain why women are still getting the short straw when it comes to healthcare, and specifically pain relief.

Dr Raj said that this is down to a combination of systemic unconscious bias, a lack of research, as well as a failure to acknowledge biological differences in how women process pain.

All of that has led to pain being dismissed, misdiagnosed or undertreated which can have lethal consequences.

Love. That. For. Us.

Why women’s healthcare still falls behind

The surgeon added that despite advances in healthcare, women are diagnosed ‘significantly’ later across over 700 diseases and in some cases, such as endometriosis, waiting up to 10 years for diagnosis.

Frustratingly, he also revealed that sometimes, women’s pain is wrongly attributed to psycological causes and the word ‘hysteria’ was only removed from the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM classification.

Additionally, women’s health and specifically pain-focused research is less likely to be studied in clinical trials which makes effective treatment difficult to find.

He admitted that to this day, we don’t know how women metabolise and react to various pain medications or how women experience or manifest pain.

Finally, he said that because there are so many knowledge and gender gaps when it comes to women’s pain, “It’s imperative that we treat the pain the patient has, not the pain we think the patient should have.”

How to advocate for yourself at the doctors

According to the period health experts at Clue, these are the best ways to advocate for yourself at a doctor’s appointment:

  • Be prepared and assertive. Write a list of symptoms to discuss with your doctor and on the day, , give the doctor the facts about your symptoms and don’t downplay your symptoms
  • Ask questions. For example, if you don’t feel that your doctor has considered alternatives, simply say, “is there anything else it could be?”
  • Try to not be pressured into treatment that you don’t want to do. It’s normal to need a second opinion and listening to your own thoughts and feelings matters, too
  • Take notes at your appointment to ensure that you remember everything that’s said and can refer back to them in future appointments
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The One Thing You Should Be Doing After A Big Meal To Improve Your Health

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Is there anything more satisfying than the feeling after a big meal? You’re full, you’re a little sleepy, and you’re satisfied. In fact, for some (me), it’s the ideal time to just nod right off and have a cheeky 20 minute nap.

In fact, the Christmas Day nap after the huge dinner is a highlight of the day for me.

However, apparently, what we should be doing is not napping but actually, walking. I know, I know, I’m disappointed too, but I think the health benefits may make it worthwhile.

According to @nikkithepa, an aesthetics, emergency and functional med physician assistant and TikTok creator, going for a walk after a big meal has a multitude of health benefits.

@nikkithepa

Taking a walk after eating can significantly improve digestion and enhance overall metabolism. 🍽️🔬 When you engage in gentle physical activity, like walking, it helps stimulate your digestive system, aiding in the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients. It also encourages the movement of food through your gastrointestinal tract, reducing the likelihood of discomfort and bloating. 💪🌟 Moreover, walking after a meal has been found to positively impact blood sugar control. After you eat, your blood sugar levels rise, but walking can help your body utilize glucose more effectively. This means it helps prevent sharp spikes and dips in blood sugar, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those aiming to manage their weight. 📊🥦 Post-meal walks can also contribute to weight management. Engaging in light exercise, like walking, increases the number of calories burned, assisting in weight maintenance or even weight loss over time. It’s a fantastic way to stay active without putting excessive strain on your body. 🏃♀️🌈 So, why not make post-meal walks a regular part of your routine? Not only will you optimize digestion and metabolism, but you’ll also enjoy the added benefits of fresh air, stress reduction, and a chance to connect with nature. 🌳🌼 Remember, it doesn’t have to be a vigorous workout. A gentle stroll around the block or a nearby park is all it takes to reap these scientifically proven advantages. 💚✨ #PostMealWalks #ElevateYourWellBeing #HealthyHabits #weighloss #glucosecontol

♬ Don’t Let Me Go – Lane 8 & Arctic Lake

Why you should go for a walk after a big meal

In a recent video, Nikki says that this is the most simple but effective health habit you should be adding to your day for these x reasons:

Can help with digestion

Taking a short walk after a meal improves digestion. This is because walking helps to stimulate the muscles in your abdomen, promoting the movement of food through your digestive system.

Helps with blood sugar control

Nikki says: “By engaging in a post-meal walk, your muscles become more receptive to glucose uptake, allowing them to efficiently utilise and absorb the sugar from your blood stream.”

She adds that this helps regulate your blood sugar levels, preventing sharp spikes and crashes, promoting a metabolic balance.

It offers mental and emotional benefits

Nikki said that as you walk after a meal, your brain releases “feel good neurotransmitters” like serotonin and endorphins which improve the mood and reduce stress levels as well as enhancing overall mental wellbeing.

Nikki advises walking between 30 minutes to an hour after your meal and your walk only needs to be 10 to 15 minutes.

We’re off to get our steps in….

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Olivia Colman Had These Three Words To Say About Emma Stone In Poor Things

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The film has won over hearts and critics with its ethereal, strange plot and performances from Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo but now, Poor Things has been rated by the most important person of all: Olivia Colman.

Of course, Olivia has worked with Poor Things director Yorgos Lanthimos previously on The Favourite, along with Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz: a film that the British Film Institute rated as one of the best released that year.

Speaking about Olivia, Emma said: “Olivia is like a marshmallow of a human being — like the most warm, gooey, lovey person you know. She’s just an absolute heart of a person.”

So, when it came to her opinion of Poor Things — a very personal project for Emma —, we reckon it was incredibly important to the actress.

Now, in a clip shared on TikTok by production company Searchlight Pictures, we learn exactly how Colman feels.

“You make me want to cry”

In the clip, Olivia starts by telling Emma that she knows compliments are awkward for her and tells her to channel her character from Poor Things and just say “thank you” in response to praise.

Olivia then says: “I think what you did was exquisite, and beautiful and brave.” She adds that everything Emma does always blows her mind but, “this whole thing was creative filmmaking that you just never see that Yorgos did and you were part of that.”

As well as starring in the lead role, Emma was also a producer on the film, and, in fact, her fellow producers stated that the film could not have gone ahead without her.

Continuing in her lavishing praise as Emma was clearly moved, Olivia said, “you go at things, you know, head first, and you blew me away. I do mean that. I can’t lie.”

Emma tearily responded saying: “I love you Colman. I LOVE YA.”

Ah, what a pair.

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Paloma Diamond Fans Can’t Wait For Her To Win An Oscar. But The Thing Is, She Doesn’t Exist

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If you’re on TikTok at all, you might recognise the name Paloma Diamond. The character is the creation of New Zealand TikToker Julian Sewell, who has been posing as Diamond ever since October last year.

In a TikTok that currently has over 19 million views, Sewell aped the Academy Awards with a flawless parody called “Every Best Actress Award Intro”. In it, an announcer introduces five fictional actresses and their (impeccably named) non-existent films, including Paloma Diamond.

The hilarious TikTok went viral, spawning countless write-ups around the world, and has caused Sewell’s following to surge across various platforms.

In an interviewer with Sunday Magazine via The Post, Sewell commented that he didn’t mean to create a new cinematic universe, but is happy with the response he’s gotten so far.

“I [get] an influx of really kind and supportive messages from people I’ve never met before, saying ‘oh my god you make my day,’ or ‘I was having an awful day until I saw your video and it made me laugh’ – and that’s all that matters.”

Since his first video, Sewell’s best actress characters have developed their own currency online, with users across Instagram, X and TikTok all desperate to see more from the likes of Lorelai Lynch and Taylor Witherfork.

But none are more sought after than Diamond, who Sewell has really run with, posting parodies of the Meryl Streep-esque performer taking part in Vogue’s 73 Questions and The Hollywood Reporter’s Actress Roundtable series.

One of the ongoing gags in the Paloma Diamond universe is the fact that the “actress” has been nominated for an Oscar 18 times, but has never won one. Well, as of 2024, Diamond has another nomination, and fans are keen to see her finally take home the coveted award.

Here’s how some X users have reacted online to Diamond’s nomination…

Here’s hoping Diamond gets her much-deserved flowers at this year’s ceremony on 10 March.

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So THIS Is Why We’re All Obsessed With ‘Plate Up’ Videos On TikTok

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Right, I’m going to share a secret with you and I would prefer it if you didn’t judge me. If I can’t get going with cleaning or cooking at home, I watch other people doing it on TikTok and it gives me the motivation to get moving with my own duties.

Take for example, last Sunday. I really wanted to make a roast dinner. Of course, this takes a long time, a lot of different dishes, and is a whole effort. So, to get myself in the mood, I watched some of my favourite “plate up” creators on TikTok put their meals together on the plate and somehow, between the steam of the hot food, the delicate placement on the plate and the gravy being poured over all of it just put me right in the mood.

It turns out, I’m really not alone. Lots of us can’t get enough of these videos and according to HelloFresh, 270 million of us find ourselves enchanted by these cosy videos.

Why are plate up videos on TikTok so popular?

To truly get to the bottom of the psychology behind “plate up” videos, HelloFresh asked Consultant Counselling Psychologist Dr Ritz for her thoughts on the phenomena.

“There is a huge fascination of watching people cook on social media. It could be from gaining inspiration, building confidence or relaxing through the value of cooking and food. We can understand these trends from various psychological perspectives such as social cognitive theory, belonging and coping,” she explains.

And these are the main theories she outlined behind the trend:

Social Cognitive Theory:

“Social Cognitive Theory suggests that individuals learn by observing others. Viewers may be learning new cooking techniques, recipes, or gaining confidence in cooking by watching others. The social aspect of the trend aligns with theory’s emphasis on social learning through modelling.”

Mirror Neuron System:

“The Mirror Neuron System suggests that individuals have neurons that fire both when performing an action and when observing someone else perform that same action. In the context of cooking videos, viewers might experience a form of neural resonance, feeling a connection to the actions they observe and potentially triggering positive emotions.”

Belonging to a Community:

“Participating in or observing trends can create a sense of community among individuals who share similar interests. It contributes to the development of virtual communities centred around cooking and food, where people can exchange ideas and tips.”

Coping Mechanism:

“Watching cooking or meal preparation videos can serve as a form of relaxation and distraction. The repetitive and methodical nature of the process can be soothing, providing some respite from stress or daily challenges.”

Who knew it was more than just mindless viewing?

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