Latest news with #RobHobson
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The freezer foods that could transform your health – and save ££s from your weekly shopping bill
Scroll to find how much cash you can save by swapping fresh for frozen - without losing healthy eating benefits COLD FRONT The freezer foods that could transform your health – and save ££s from your weekly shopping bill Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) When you think of freezer foods, ice cream, chips, chicken nuggets and ready-made pizzas probably come to mind. While delicious, these processed foods are typically packed with added sugars, salts and preservatives. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Frozen doesn't mean unhealthy – smart picks from the freezer aisle can save cash and boost your diet Many families are drawn to the frozen aisle for cheaper options, but you don't need to sacrifice your health for your budget. The freezer aisle is home to dozens of healthier options, which tend to be a lot cheaper than fresh. Plus, research has found that frozen fruit and veg have the same amount of vitamins and minerals as their fresh counterparts, and sometimes more.* That's because freezing stops the products from degrading, which is exactly what they do when they sit unused in the fridge for days on end. Keeping food ready to go in the freezer means less wastage and more pennies saved. Here, we share the expert-approved freezer foods you need to add to your trolley next time you visit the supermarket. Salmon Fresh Tesco Boneless Salmon Fillets 260g, £4.20 Tesco Boneless Salmon Fillets 260g, £4.20 Frozen Tesco Wild Salmon Fillets 500g, £5.50 Tesco Wild Salmon Fillets 500g, £5.50 SAVINGS 51p per 100g 7 Salmon is rich in omega-3s like EPA and DHA, which support your heart, brain and joints Credit: Getty A cheaper alternative to fresh fish, frozen salmon is usually flash-frozen at peak freshness and it can go straight from the freezer to the oven or pan, so you don't need to defrost in advance, says nutritionist and author of Unprocess Your Family Life, Rob Hobson. 'As an oily fish, salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, known for supporting heart, brain and joint health,' says Rob. Salmon is also a good source of protein, selenium and vitamins D, B12 and B6, which Rob says 'support energy metabolism, immunity and bone health.' I went to the UK's best sandwich shop that's gone viral on TikTok due to amazing family history and huge portions Fry salmon on a medium heat in the pan so it turns pale pink throughout. Then, eat with salad, pasta or rice and veg. To cook in the oven, wrap it in foil with lemon and herbs and bake for 15 minutes. Dumplings Fresh Marks & Spencer Vegetable Gyozas 192g, £4.75 Marks & Spencer Vegetable Gyozas 192g, £4.75 Frozen Itsu Chicken Gyozas 240g, Tesco, £4 Itsu Chicken Gyozas 240g, Tesco, £4 SAVINGS 81p per 100g 7 Dumplings can be a source of lean protein and lower in heart-harming saturated fats Credit: Getty Ryan James, health and wellbeing advisor at Vitality, says dumplings are great when you're short on time but want something filling and nutritious. You can opt for vegetable dumplings or meat-filled. 'Dumplings are often full of lean protein, making them lower in saturated fats, which are bad for your heart health,' he says. For the healthy option, go for those that aren't described as fried, but steamed. For a meal, use dumplings in an Asian-inspired soup – Ryan suggests adding them to a pot filled with low-salt broth (such as Itsu Chicken Ramen Brilliant Broth, £2.65), soy sauce, shredded veg (you can use frozen), sesame oil and sliced chicken. Edamame Beans Fresh Sainsbury's Edamame Beans 175g, £1.75 Sainsbury's Edamame Beans 175g, £1.75 Frozen Sainsbury's Edamame Beans 500g, £2.80 Sainsbury's Edamame Beans 500g, £2.80 SAVINGS 44p per 100g 7 Edamame contains soluble and insoluble fibre too, which supports digestion Credit: Getty If you're veggie or vegan, edamame beans can help bump up protein intake. Unlike other plant-based protein sources, Rob explains that edamame are a complete protein source. That means it contains all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and repair, much like chicken and beef do. 'Edamame contains soluble and insoluble fibre too, which supports digestion and helps you to feel fuller for longer,' says Rob. 'Plus, edamame are rich in micronutrients such as magnesium, iron and folate (vitamin B9), which support heart and brain health and energy.' Enjoy them as a snack with a little salt, or add to salads, rice bowls and stir-fries. Just pop them in a bowl of boiled water for a few minutes to defrost. Rob suggests blending them with garlic, lemon juice and olive oil to make a high-protein dip. Berries Fresh Asda Succulent & Juicy Mixed Berries 200g, £2.74 Asda Succulent & Juicy Mixed Berries 200g, £2.74 Frozen Asda Summer Fruits 500g, £1.98 Asda Summer Fruits 500g, £1.98 SAVINGS 98p per 100g 7 Berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, helping fight inflammation and boost your immune system Credit: Getty The difference in cost between fresh and frozen berries is pretty staggering. Berries are a great addition to your diet, because they are rich in anthocyanins and other antioxidants, which reduce inflammation, plus vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. And if you are trying to slim down, they are a must-have. Berries have fibre, which help fill you up while also being low in calories. 'Frozen berries are pre-washed and typically require no defrosting if you blend them into smoothies or home bakes,' says Rob. 'They can also be defrosted quickly in the microwave or left in the fridge overnight for use in the morning.' Frozen Herbs Fresh Morrisons Coriander 30g, 70p Morrisons Coriander 30g, 70p Frozen Morrisons Chopped Coriander 75g, £1.45 Morrisons Chopped Coriander 75g, £1.45 SAVINGS 40p per 100g 7 Herbs are rich in polyphenols and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties Credit: Getty Have you ever thought about buying frozen herbs, rather than fresh? Not only do fresh herbs often go off before you have a chance to use them up, but frozen herbs are pre-washed and chopped, so they save you time. 'Herbs are rich in polyphenols and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties,' says Rob. 'Plus, herbs like parsley, basil, and coriander contain vitamins A, C and K, which support your immune system and bone health. "Herbs such as mint can support digestion too, by loosening the valve between your oesophagus and stomach to relieve bloating.' As a cheaper alternative, simply chop and freeze your own herbs in ice-cube trays. 'With ginger, you can scrape the skin off with a teaspoon and then pop it in the freezer,' says Ryan. 'Next time a recipe calls for it, simply grate it directly into your pan. "This saves on food waste and means you have easy access to an immune-boosting anti-inflammatory ingredient whenever you need it. "If you have a cold, try grating it straight into some hot water with lemon and honey,' he adds. Frozen herbs can be added directly to soups or sauces, or combine them with olive oil and vinegar in a dressing. Rice and Veg Fresh Marks & Spencer Grain & Greens 290g, £2.50 Marks & Spencer Grain & Greens 290g, £2.50 Frozen Sainsbury's Rice, Broccoli, Sweetcorn & Peas 4 x Microwaveable Steam Bags 540g, £2.50 Sainsbury's Rice, Broccoli, Sweetcorn & Peas 4 x Microwaveable Steam Bags 540g, £2.50 SAVINGS 63p per serving 7 Rice and veg provides a mix of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, fibre and vitamins A and C Credit: Getty Cooking rice from scratch is always cheaper (a 2kg packet of uncooked brown rice at Tesco costs £2.85). But if you're in a rush, keep a bag of frozen rice with veg in it to hand. 'It provides a mix of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, fibre and vitamins A and C,' Rob says. 'Plus, the vegetables contain antioxidants.' Cook the rice according to the pack instructions, then add an egg and season with soy sauce for a quick fried-rice dish. Or, use it as a side dish with protein, such as chicken or salmon. The included veg mean you don't have to faff around with extra pots and pans!
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The freezer foods that could transform your health – and save ££s from your weekly shopping bill
COLD FRONT Scroll to find how much cash you can save by swapping fresh for frozen - without losing healthy eating benefits When you think of freezer foods, ice cream, chips, chicken nuggets and ready-made pizzas probably come to mind. While delicious, these processed foods are typically packed with added sugars, salts and preservatives. Many families are drawn to the frozen aisle for cheaper options, but you don't need to sacrifice your health for your budget. The freezer aisle is home to dozens of healthier options, which tend to be a lot cheaper than fresh. Plus, research has found that frozen fruit and veg have the same amount of vitamins and minerals as their fresh counterparts, and sometimes more.* That's because freezing stops the products from degrading, which is exactly what they do when they sit unused in the fridge for days on end. Keeping food ready to go in the freezer means less wastage and more pennies saved. Here, we share the expert-approved freezer foods you need to add to your trolley next time you visit the supermarket. Salmon Fresh Tesco Boneless Salmon Fillets 260g, £4.20 Frozen Tesco Wild Salmon Fillets 500g, £5.50 SAVINGS 51p per 100g 7 A cheaper alternative to fresh fish, frozen salmon is usually flash-frozen at peak freshness and it can go straight from the freezer to the oven or pan, so you don't need to defrost in advance, says nutritionist and author of Unprocess Your Family Life, Rob Hobson. 'As an oily fish, salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, known for supporting heart, brain and joint health,' says Rob. Salmon is also a good source of protein, selenium and vitamins D, B12 and B6, which Rob says 'support energy metabolism, immunity and bone health.' I went to the UK's best sandwich shop that's gone viral on TikTok due to amazing family history and huge portions Fry salmon on a medium heat in the pan so it turns pale pink throughout. Then, eat with salad, pasta or rice and veg. To cook in the oven, wrap it in foil with lemon and herbs and bake for 15 minutes. Dumplings Fresh Marks & Spencer Vegetable Gyozas 192g, £4.75 Frozen Itsu Chicken Gyozas 240g, Tesco, £4 SAVINGS 81p per 100g 7 Ryan James, health and wellbeing advisor at Vitality, says dumplings are great when you're short on time but want something filling and nutritious. You can opt for vegetable dumplings or meat-filled. 'Dumplings are often full of lean protein, making them lower in saturated fats, which are bad for your heart health,' he says. For the healthy option, go for those that aren't described as fried, but steamed. For a meal, use dumplings in an Asian-inspired soup – Ryan suggests adding them to a pot filled with low-salt broth (such as Itsu Chicken Ramen Brilliant Broth, £2.65), soy sauce, shredded veg (you can use frozen), sesame oil and sliced chicken. Edamame Beans 7 If you're veggie or vegan, edamame beans can help bump up protein intake. Unlike other plant-based protein sources, Rob explains that edamame are a complete protein source. That means it contains all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and repair, much like chicken and beef do. 'Edamame contains soluble and insoluble fibre too, which supports digestion and helps you to feel fuller for longer,' says Rob. 'Plus, edamame are rich in micronutrients such as magnesium, iron and folate (vitamin B9), which support heart and brain health and energy.' Enjoy them as a snack with a little salt, or add to salads, rice bowls and stir-fries. Just pop them in a bowl of boiled water for a few minutes to defrost. Rob suggests blending them with garlic, lemon juice and olive oil to make a high-protein dip. Berries Fresh Asda Succulent & Juicy Mixed Berries 200g, £2.74 Frozen Asda Summer Fruits 500g, £1.98 SAVINGS 98p per 100g 7 The difference in cost between fresh and frozen berries is pretty staggering. Berries are a great addition to your diet, because they are rich in anthocyanins and other antioxidants, which reduce inflammation, plus vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. And if you are trying to slim down, they are a must-have. Berries have fibre, which help fill you up while also being low in calories. 'Frozen berries are pre-washed and typically require no defrosting if you blend them into smoothies or home bakes,' says Rob. 'They can also be defrosted quickly in the microwave or left in the fridge overnight for use in the morning.' Frozen Herbs Fresh Morrisons Coriander 30g, 70p Frozen Morrisons Chopped Coriander 75g, £1.45 SAVINGS 40p per 100g 7 Have you ever thought about buying frozen herbs, rather than fresh? Not only do fresh herbs often go off before you have a chance to use them up, but frozen herbs are pre-washed and chopped, so they save you time. 'Herbs are rich in polyphenols and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties,' says Rob. 'Plus, herbs like parsley, basil, and coriander contain vitamins A, C and K, which support your immune system and bone health. "Herbs such as mint can support digestion too, by loosening the valve between your oesophagus and stomach to relieve bloating.' As a cheaper alternative, simply chop and freeze your own herbs in ice-cube trays. 'With ginger, you can scrape the skin off with a teaspoon and then pop it in the freezer,' says Ryan. 'Next time a recipe calls for it, simply grate it directly into your pan. "This saves on food waste and means you have easy access to an immune-boosting anti-inflammatory ingredient whenever you need it. "If you have a cold, try grating it straight into some hot water with lemon and honey,' he adds. Frozen herbs can be added directly to soups or sauces, or combine them with olive oil and vinegar in a dressing. Rice and Veg 7 Cooking rice from scratch is always cheaper (a 2kg packet of uncooked brown rice at Tesco costs £2.85). But if you're in a rush, keep a bag of frozen rice with veg in it to hand. 'It provides a mix of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, fibre and vitamins A and C,' Rob says. 'Plus, the vegetables contain antioxidants.' Cook the rice according to the pack instructions, then add an egg and season with soy sauce for a quick fried-rice dish. Or, use it as a side dish with protein, such as chicken or salmon. The included veg mean you don't have to faff around with extra pots and pans!
UPI
22-05-2025
- Climate
- UPI
NOAA predicts above-normal hurricane season this year
1 of 2 | Residents of Atlantic Beach, N.C., walk on the beach as Hurricane Irene approaches (2011). The NOAA on Thursday said the Atlantic storm season could produce as many as 19 named storms, including up to 10 hurricanes and five major storms. File Photo by Rob Hobson/UPI | License Photo May 22 (UPI) -- The Atlantic storm season could produce as many as 19 named storms, including up to 10 hurricanes and five major storms, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The NOAA says there is a 60% chance of an above-normal storm season that could produce between 13 and 19 named storms and between six and 10 hurricanes. The hurricanes could produce between three and five major hurricanes with wind speeds of at least 111 mph, the NOAA predicts. Storm impacts could extend well inland of coastal waters. "As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities," Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm said. An above-average Atlantic Ocean temperature, weak wind shear and potentially higher West African monsoon activity are among factors contributing to the prediction for an above-average number of storms. "The high-activity era continues in the Atlantic Basin, featuring high-heat content in the ocean and reduced trade winds," NOAA storm forecasters said. "The higher-heat content provides more energy to fuel storm development, while weaker winds allow the storms to develop without disruption." NOAA forecasters also say there is a 30% chance of a nearly normal number of named storms, which are those with wind speeds of at least 39 mph, while hurricanes have wind speeds of at least 74 mph. There is a 10% chance of a below-average number of storms. The Atlantic storm season traditionally runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, but storms could occur before and after those dates. From 1991 to 2020, the Atlantic Basin averaged 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. The Atlantic Basin includes the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf. The first named storm typically forms in mid to late June, according to the NOAA. The first hurricane usually forms in early to mid-August, while the first major hurricane often forms in late August or early September, but such storms could form well outside of those timeframes. The NOAA reported 27 weather events that produced at least $1 billion in damages and totaled $182.7 billion in damages in 2024, which were higher than the five-year average of 23 such weather events totaling $149.3 billion in damages. Hurricane Helene made landfall near Perry, Fla., on Sept. 26 with sustained wind speeds of 140 miles per hour, which was the strongest storm on record in Florida's Big Bend region. Helene inflicted $78.7 billion in damages, was the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since 2017. The major hurricane caused 176 direct fatalities and at least 250 in total. Hurricane Milton made landfall near Florida's Siesta Key on Oct. 9 and caused $34.3 billion in damages.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 6 foods with ‘zero calories' that can help you lose weight by filling you up between meals
SNACKING can be trickier than meal planning when it comes to weight loss - it's easy to overeat on convenient, often unhealthy, options. But finding the right snacks can help you manage hunger, prevent overeating at mealtimes, and keep you on track during your weight loss journey. 4 Opting for foods that are high in protein, fibre, and healthy fats are a great way to help you feel full and satisfied. And calories also count when it comes to shedding excess pounds. So what healthy, zero calorie snacks exist? Rob Hobson, nutritionist and author of Unprocessed Your Family Life, says no food is truly zero-calorie - even the lowest-cal options still contain some energy. He added: "But there are plenty of everyday foods that are as close as it gets, and when you're trying to lose weight, they can be really helpful to see you feeling full between meals. "These types of foods are either very low in calories, nutrient-dense, hydrating, or help scratch a flavour itch—all of which can make sticking to your goals a lot easier' Here are six of Rob's favourites... 1. Cucumber – 100g = 16 kcal Cucumber is about 95 per cent water, so it's very low in calories but still gives you that satisfying crunch. Rob explained: "It's great for staying hydrated and works well as a base for snacks - try it with a little lemon juice, chopped dill, sea salt or even a dollop of hummus as a more nourishing snack. "Because it's high-volume and refreshing, cucumber can help take the edge off hunger without spending too much of your calorie budget." I lost almost a stone in just six days and here's the exact list of delicious meals I ate which never left me hungry 2. Egg Whites – 100g (3 egg whites) = 52 kcal 4 Egg whites are one of the best low-calorie protein sources you can get. They're virtually fat-free and made up almost entirely of high-quality protein, which is the most satiating macronutrient. Rob advised: "You can scramble a few egg whites with vegetables like grated courgette for a low calorie snack between meals and they can also be added to homemade baked oats and fruit and nut snack bars as well as smoothies (only pasteurised from a carton) to give them a protein boost. "Ideal if you're managing your appetite while trying to retain lean muscle." 3. Leafy Greens – 100g = 16 kcal Think spinach, rocket, kale or mixed salad leaves. Leafy greens are nutrient-dense, low in calories, and rich in fibre, folate, vitamin K and other key micronutrients. Rob recommended: "You can pile them high on your plate for next to no calories, which adds bulk and texture to meals and helps you feel like you've had a proper feed. "They also work brilliantly as a base for protein-rich foods and can be thrown into most dishes. "Steamed greens are a really nice low calories snack between meals just add a squeeze of lemon juice, chopped garlic and a pinch of salt." 4. Pickled or fermented veggies (like gherkins or kimchi) – 50g = 5 kcal 4 These foods are brilliant for adding punchy flavour without adding calories. They're also a good way to satisfy savoury cravings and in the case of ferments offer gut-friendly benefits, thanks to their abundance of live bacteria—just make sure you opt for varieties without added sugar. "Their saltiness and crunch can really hit the spot between meals and there are loads of great brands out there like Vadasz who do lots of really interesting varieties," said Rob. 5. Seaweed Sheets – 5g = 15 kcal These are the ultimate umami snack. Nori sheets are super low in calories but high in iodine and other trace minerals, which support different areas of your health including the thyroid. Rob added: "Like green veggies they can give you a nice micronutrient boost. "They're great for satisfying that savoury/crispy craving without resorting to crisps or other ultra-processed snacks. "Plus, they're naturally portion-controlled—handy if you're watching how much you eat. I think Itsu do the best ones." 6. Miso Soup – 200ml = 28 kcal 4 A warm mug of miso soup is a low-calorie comfort fix that also hydrates and helps tide you over between meals. Rob said: "It's savoury, satisfying, and offers a small dose of beneficial antioxidants and live bacteria. "Keep a few instant sachets in your desk drawer or cupboard—it's a simple, nourishing option when you need something light but tasty. "You can also add some small cubes of silken tofu for extra protein without adding too many more calories." Can you target fat loss to one area? We all have those wobbly bits we'd like to change more than others. Targeted fat loss, often referred to as "spot reduction," is the idea that you can lose fat from a specific part of your body by focusing exercise to that area. However, the scientific consensus is that spot reduction is largely a myth. When you lose fat, it tends to come off in a genearl manner, spread over the body. It is determined by genetics and hormonal factors rather than specific exercises. However, you can focus exercise on a certain muscle which can help it to tone and grow. This can contribute to a different look of that area, especially if you are lean (meaning there is not much fat there). To lose fat: Reduce the calories you eat Have a balanced diet, making sure to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. These contain fibre which help you feel more full Do regular exercise more than you were before. This could be walking, gym classes or weights Stick to something long term. If your plan is too drastic, you're more likely to give up
Times
13-05-2025
- Health
- Times
Revision food for students — what to feed your teens
The high-stress revision period is unlikely to have your teenager reaching for the chia seeds but eating well can have a marked improvement on focus, mood and, ultimately, results. Rob Hobson, a nutritionist and the author of Unprocess Your Family Life, explains how parents can help to fuel their children through exam season. A study published in Frontiers in Public Health in 2019 showed that GCSE pupils who missed breakfast scored lower grades than those who regularly ate a morning meal. 'A nice slow-release carbohydrate works best,' says Hobson, 47. 'Overnight oats with seeds, or porridge, or some scrambled egg on wholegrain toast. It could also be a smoothie with berries, nut butter and oats — quite simple things to put together.' • Read
