Latest news with #snacking
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Geri Halliwell-Horner insists she snacks all the time to avoid being 'hangry' as she chomps on leftover food in kooky behind the scenes video
Geri Halliwell-Horner posted a kooky video about how she 'snacks all the time' to stop being 'hangry' on Instagram on Wednesday. The Spice Girl, 52, took to her official Instagram account to share the video with her 1.4million followers as she promoted her brand new book, Rosie Frost: Ice On Fire. Geri could be seen with her team in her dressing room during the promotional campaign as she declared she enjoys snacking. She told fans: 'Guess what I'm eating, I can't even tell what I'm eating, it doesn't taste like what it should. Dates with Chia?' As the video progressed, Geri revealed her leftover food habit as she pointed out: 'This is overnight oats, and it's really nice, really nice. I've only just discovered them. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'What I'm going to do is take them with me, I've had it every day. A creature of habit, once I like something.' She added: 'My mother always said "don't waste food", I don't like wasting food.' Ginger Spice then ended the clip by loading her food haul into her bag as she set off on the next stop of her promo tour. Meanwhile, it was recently revealed how Geri is still cashing it in from her Spice Girl days, almost three decades after she quit the band in 1998. The mum-of-two has several profitable business ventures alongside her husband Christian Horner, including a race horse company, real estate investments and as a children's author. However, even without those incomes, the pop star is still sitting pretty, as new accounts filings reveal she made more than £860,000 last year though her former band. Geri's company, Wonderful Productions, was set up to receive income from the Spice Girls, and according to the latest published accounts, has reported an £862,312 profit for the 12 months up to August 2024. This takes the accumulated earnings held by the mum-of-two in the business to a staggering £2.16 million. Geri's latest book Rosie Frost: Ice On Fire, was released earlier this year and immediately became a hit. The new novel soared up the charts to become the #1 best seller on Amazon. Ice On Fire is a sequel to Geri's first book, Rosie Frost & the Falcon Queen, and was released this week, with the singer saying she'd hope it 'empower' the young readers. Earlier this week, MailOnline revealed how Geri and her husband Christian have launched a second bid to have plush gates installed at their giant Grade II listed mansion. The couple wanted to shift their current boundary back from the road and install stone posts on either side, replacing the current timber set-up. But planners rejected their plans as the 10ft tall proposals were 3ft higher than the current gate. Now the couple have re-applied to replace their gates - but this time limited the height of the gate to two meters.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
A First-Of-Its-Kind Snack In The U.S. Is Set To Disrupt The Industry
3PM Afternoon Bites is a new product that seeks to disrupt the snacking industry, offering the ... More benefits of a healthy energy boost. You know that story. It's mid-afternoon and you've had enough coffee to fuel a rocket ship, yet you are so tired that you cannot focus on anything, much less on your work tasks. A company from San Antonio, Texas is sending reinforcements to fight the afternoon slump with a new type of snack, 3pm AFTERNOON BITES™. The first-of-its-kind in the U.S., these tasty cookies contain postbiotics and their groundbreaking health benefits, designed to help overcome the dreaded drop of energy during the workday. Rather than pump yourself up with coffee or energy drinks, the idea behind 3pm AFTERNOON BITES is that you can get that same energy boost from a delicious, better-for-you snack. 'Too often, better-for-you snacks disappoint on taste or fall short on clean nutrition," says 3pm, LLC CEO, Eduardo Domínguez. "With 3pm AFTERNOON BITES™, we set out to do better by crafting a soft-baked cookie that feels homemade, tastes great, and delivers real functional benefits. It's the best of both worlds, and we believe consumers will notice.' This innovative product is poised to disrupt the $53 billion snack industry and offer a new standard for functional snacks that actually taste great. Postbiotics are bioactive compounds which are gaining recognition for their broad range of science-backed benefits. Studies have shown that postbiotics can provide lasting benefits including year-round immune support to help maintain productivity and performance. Unlike probiotics, which can be sensitive to temperature and time, postbiotics are stable at room temperature, making them easier to store and more reliable for consumers. This added stability ensures that the health benefits remain consistent and effective from the moment the product is manufactured until it is consumed, offering a level of convenience and reliability that traditional probiotics cannot match. 3PM Afternoon Bites are soft-baked cookie that feel homemade and taste great. 3pm AFTERNOON BITES™ is also a good source of protein and fiber, and contains low added sugar, fat and sodium. It contains plant-based ingredients, protein, and IMMUSE® LC-Plasmapostbiotic, a non-GMO, allergen-free, vegetarian dietary supplement discovered by Kyowa Hakko's parent company Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd. '3pm AFTERNOON BITES™ is more than just another better-for-you snack. It is a wellness-driven brand helping people through innovative products, community efforts, and partnerships that promote balance and wellbeing', says Domínguez. 'We believe healthy living should feel natural, supportive, and delicious." The cookies are available in two varieties - Cranberry/Flaxseed and Dark Chocolate/Almond – and retail starting at $4.98 for the box of five cookies, with a product line expansion expected as early as Fall 2025. They are currently available at select H.E.B stores in Texas and through the grocery store's website, but the company is aiming for nationwide availability in 2026.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Brits urged to be mindful of their snack choices due to nation's ‘other' energy crisis
A HUGE 72 per cent of adults hit a wall multiple times each week, ultimately losing nearly 37 minutes of productivity when it strikes – just shy of 78 wasted hours a year. Nearly half (45 per cent) report feelings of fatigue during these moments, while 40 per cent feel unmotivated, and 37 per cent lack concentration. 1 Research involving 2,000 adults revealed others become irritable (27 per cent) and hungry (12 per cent) after hitting a wall. To highlight Britain's "other" energy crisis, a 17-tonne tank has smashed through a 13ft-high wall by Tower Bridge in London. The wall, crafted to represent the high carbs and sugar filled snacks 76 per cent typically reach for to boost their energy, was demolished by Grenade founder Alan Barratt, driving the protein brand's orange 'tank'. But while 78 per cent acknowledge the food they are fuelling themselves with could be to blame, 52 per cent are not confident in identifying the foods causing them to feel fatigued and lack focus. Neal Duffy, from the protein bar brand, said: 'We're a nation of hustlers, so we need to fuel our bodies the right way. 'Sugar isn't the enemy – it just needs to show up at the right time and in the right amount.' The research also found 39 per cent choose their snacks based on convenience rather than nutrition, although 34 per cent are interested in learning more about nutrition and switching to smarter snacking options. Half, 53 per cent, are open to trying new alternatives though, with 36 per cent on the lookout for high protein, low sugar snacks options. Sports nutritionist Lois Bright added: 'Being more mindful about what we eat and when we eat it will help us manage our energy levels more efficiently. 'As a nation, we need to understand what we're putting into our bodies and be realistic about what we'll get out. High-protein snack ideas that are quick and easy 'Choosing drinks and snacks which are high in protein is a simple switch we can all make to ensure we have the stamina to power through our busy days.' High-protein snacks include cottage cheese, hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, nuts and seeds, and protein-rich treats like jerky or protein balls. Focusing on complex carbohydrates and healthy fats can also boost energy levels. Examples of complex carbohydrates include whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats, starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes and peas, and legumes like beans and lentils. Healthy fats, particularly unsaturated fats, are found in a variety of plant-based and animal-based foods, including fatty fish, nuts, seeds, avocados, and certain oils. Other ways to boost your energy Sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night to allow your body to rest and repair. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine. Stress management: Stress can deplete energy levels. Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature. Consider talking to a therapist or counselor if you are struggling with stress. Exercise: Regular physical activity, even moderate exercise like walking, can boost energy and improve mood. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods, which can lead to energy crashes. Hydration: Dehydration can make you feel tired. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Limit alcohol and caffeine: While caffeine can provide a temporary boost, it can also lead to energy crashes and interfere with sleep. Limit alcohol consumption, as it can disrupt sleep and lower energy levels.
Zawya
18-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Alan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Agthia Group, shares insights
Alan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Agthia Group, shares insights, highlighting the group's financial performance for the first quarter of 2025. Agthia Group PJSC - one of the region's leading food and beverage companies, today announced a resilient first-quarter performance, with underlying Group revenue growing by 5.2% year-on-year when excluding the impact of non-recurring factors such as last year's one-off wheat trading activity and the devaluation of the Egyptian pound. This underlying growth highlights the strength and resilience of Agthia's core business amidst a dynamic operating environment. Despite short-term pressure, Agthia continues to invest in its future allocating AED 25.1 million to capex and AED 129.2 million to increase its stake in Abu Auf raising its share from 70% to 80%, deepening vertical integration in the snacking segment. In May 2025, Agthia strengthened its leadership in the UAE water market through the strategic acquisition of Riviere, a prominent player in home water delivery segment. This milestone move significantly expands our household customer base tripling our reach and deepens our market penetration in a key growth category. said Smith. In this regard, Alan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Agthia Group, stated: 'we continue to see strong performance across key verticals. BMB delivered a solid 8.4% growth in revenue, driven by rising exports to the United States and continued consumer demand for its premium snack portfolio. Abu Auf also maintained its growth trajectory, recording a 4.3% revenue increase in AED terms; however, the devaluation of the Egyptian Pound significantly impacted the reported figure, which in local currency terms stood at a notable 48.9%. Excluding the one-off wheat trading activity in Q1 2024, our Agri-Business delivered a solid underlying performance, achieving revenue growth of 2.9%. The Water and Food segment remained a core contributor, growing 10.6% year-on-year. Within the UAE, water revenues increased by 6.1%, while our international water portfolio showed strong momentum particularly in Turkey, which grew by 9.9%, and Saudi Arabia, where we achieved 4.8% growth. Meanwhile, the Protein segment saw a 15.7% decline in revenue due to continued pressure in the Egyptian market and a temporary slowdown in export sales from Nabil in Jordan. This was partially offset by the growth coming from our new protein facility in Saudi Arabia, which commenced operations in July 2024. Our combined operations, comprising Nabil export from Jordan and our new facility in KSA, delivered a robust 17.2% sales growth within the Kingdom, underscoring the strategic importance of our expansion in this key regional market.' And commenting on how the US tarrifs would affect Agthia's operation Smith said: While Agthia's direct exposure to the U.S. market remains limited accounting for approximately 1% of our total revenue ongoing trade protectionist measures, particularly tariffs on essential commodities, may pose indirect challenges to global supply chains. As a diversified group operating across multiple segments and geographies, we remain vigilant in monitoring global trade dynamics to proactively address and mitigate any potential cost implications. Our sourcing strategy is built on diversification, trusted supplier partnerships, and a strong regional presence, which collectively grant us the flexibility to navigate fluctuations in commodity pricing and availability. In parallel, we continue to optimize procurement processes, manage inventory efficiently, and explore alternative markets to reinforce our supply chain resilience. Despite potential volatility in global trade, our operational agility and cost discipline ensure that we are well-positioned to uphold the value we deliver to both our shareholders and our consumers.
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
How to beat the munchies and turbocharge weight loss in 8 steps – from the ‘N-F-A rule' to ‘urge surfing'
YOU'VE been 'good' all day - eating clean, avoiding the biscuit tin, swapping sugars for sweetener and you even skipped dessert in the canteen at work. But now you're at home with your feet up in front of the TV and you just can't resist raiding the fridge for a snack. You've had dinner and you know you'll be off to bed soon, but the call is just too strong. A square of chocolate turns into a bar, a single biscuit turns into a whole pack, and that tub of ice cream in the freezer? Well, you've made a big dent in that too. Sound familiar? Three quarters of us reach for indulgent treats just before we go to bed, with chocolate, crisps, biscuits and buttered toast the most common culprits, research shows. That's despite scientists repeatedly suggesting this could be detrimental to our health. A study published in the journal Appetite found that those who consumed 20 per cent or more of their daily calories after 8pm were twice as likely to be obese. Separate research by Harvard University found eating after 10pm made people store more fat and even feel hungrier and burn fewer calories the following day. And an investigation published in the International Journal of Obesity found that eating more calories in the morning versus the evening could actually lower your risk of becoming overweight by nearly 50 per cent. So how do you combat the nighttime munchies? Hannah Truement, dietetic medicine specialist and lead nutritionist at Body Fabulous, tells Sun Health: 'Willpower can be particularly elusive in the evening. 'A key factor is mental fatigue, which can occur after a long day of making decisions and managing stress, leaving our cognitive resources somewhat depleted. 'This can then make it harder to exercise self-control.' Popular low cost snack that can help you lose weight and improve your heart health We actually make around 35,000 decisions a day. This is exhausting, so come the evening, we naturally crave quick hits of energy. That's why biscuits, chocolate and sugary desserts are often eaten in excess. But emotional factors can also come into it. 'Stress or boredom often surface later in the day, which can trigger the desire for comfort foods that provide an emotional boost,' says Hannah. Sick of your snacking? Here's how to nip those evening snack sessions in the bud and show your dwindling willpower who's boss… 1. SORT YOUR SLEEP OUT YOU'VE likely experienced the hunger that comes following a poor night's sleep. But when you're exhausted, it's not necessarily willpower that's the issue, it's your hormones. 'Sleep deprivation disrupts ghrelin and leptin, which regulate appetite,' says neuroscientist Anne-Sophie Fluri. 'Ghrelin signals hunger and it increases when sleep is inadequate. Meanwhile, leptin, which signals fullness, decreases. 'This imbalance leads to increased cravings for energy-dense, high-fat foods.' A study in the journal Nutrients found that people who slept less than normal (5.5 hours versus 8.5) ate more high-carbohydrate snacks after 7pm than those on a regular schedule. 'If you go to bed at a decent time in the evening you help your body regulate its hormones, including those associated with hunger and fullness,' Anne-Sophie adds. 5 2. STOP BEING RESTRICTIVE IF your breakfast and lunch consist of very little, or even nothing at all, then it's only natural that your body will be hungry and desperate for more food. 'When we don't fuel ourselves properly throughout the day or we restrict our food intake too much, we often feel deprived (physically and emotionally), which can lead to stronger cravings and overeating, even bingeing, in the evening,' says Hannah. Anne-Sophie adds: 'Your everyday diet should fuel you. Remember, your brain alone needs around 500 calories during the day just to function!' Calories are a measure of the amount of energy in an item of food or drink. When we eat and drink more calories than we use, our bodies store the excess as body fat. If this continues over time, we may put on weight. On average, the NHS recommends men eat 2,500 calories a day, and women 2,000 to maintain a healthy weight. But exactly how many we need depends on many factors, including our age, height, activity levels and genetics. Not sure what your calorie count should be? Check out the TDEE Calculator, which allows you to work out how many calories you need based on your daily activity. This can help you to split your calories more evenly across the day. 3. FOLLOW THE 'N-F-A RULE' IF you usually wind down after dinner with a bar of chocolate, break the habit with a non-food activity (N-F-A) that still provides dopamine (the feel-good neurotransmitter). 'For many people I know, their skincare routine is a mini ritual they do to help signal the end of the day and start slowing down,' says Anne-Sophie. 'For others it could be a cup of tea and a book. Find what works for you. 'When snacking is used as a form of comfort, stress relief or because you're bored, making sure that you are engaged with something else - that's also calming - is key. 'Do it mindfully and be fully present with whatever it is that you're doing as this forces your brain to be present, and therefore you're less likely to go back to old habits.' 4. FAIL TO PREPARE, PREPARE TO FAIL IF your breakfast is a croissant, lunch is a quick on-the-go sandwich and your snacks are processed and lacking in nutrients, your body won't be getting the balance of nutrition it needs. When this happens, it craves more food. It's therefore vital to plan and schedule nutrient-dense meals to avoid those evening munchies. Anne-Sophie says: 'You need to eat a balance of protein, fibre and healthy fats earlier in the day as this can reduce evening cravings. 'Plus, if you know what you're eating and when, you're less likely to reach for snacks to keep you going.' At your evening meal, eat a decent portion of protein (sometime's dubbed 'nature's Ozempic), such as chicken, beef, turkey, eggs, dairy, tofu or beans. This will help to keep you fuller for longer, reducing your snack cravings, according to research in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Filling fibre can be found in whole grains, vegetables and legumes, while avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil are great sources of healthy fats. What a balanced plate looks like How can you make sure you are eating a balanced, filling and nutritious plate at every meal? Think of your plate divided into different food groups - protein, carbs, fat and fruit and veg. Protein: David Wiener, training and nutrition specialist at AI-based lifestyle and coaching app Freeletics, told The Sun: 'Aim for one to two palm-size portions of lean protein in each meal." Protein includes meat (chicken, turkey, pork, beef), beans, peas, lentils and fish. The NHS Eatwell Guide says to choose lean cuts of meat and mince, and eat less red and processed meat like bacon, ham and sausages. Aim for at least two portions (two x 140g) of fish every week, one of which should be oily, such as salmon, sardines or mackerel. Carbs: Carbohydrates should make up about a third of your plate, or a fist-sized portion. The Eatwell Guide says: "Choose higher fibre or wholegrain varieties, such as wholewheat pasta and brown rice, or simply leave the skins on potatoes. "There are also higher fibre versions of white bread and pasta. "Starchy foods are a good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients in our diet." Fat: Generally the advice is to think of fat like a thumb-sized amount on your plate. The Eatwell Guide says: "Remember all types of fat are high in energy and should be eaten in small amounts. "These foods include chocolate, cakes, biscuits, sugary soft drinks, butter, ghee and ice cream. "They're not needed in our diet, so should be eaten less often and in smaller amounts." But a small amount is still essential for the diet. Try and eat more unsaturated fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil), which are healthier than saturated fats (butter, hard cheese, sour cream). Fruit and veg: David says: "Make sure you also get lots of colourful fruit and vegetable carbohydrates too. "Aim for at least five of these portions a day. "One to two fist-sized portions of fruits and vegetables with every meal is generally recommended.' Fruit and veg can be fresh, frozen, tinned or dried. You can roast, boil, steam or grill veggies. 5. TRY 'URGE SURFING' URGE surfing is a mindfulness technique that can help you manage cravings, according to Anne-Sophie. 'Sit with the feeling of a craving and observe the thoughts you have without judging them, rather than acting on them,' she says. 'It doesn't sound like a fun exercise but it works, and cravings typically go within 15 to 20 minutes.' A study by Maastricht University found that people who practised urge surfing experienced fewer cravings and were less likely to indulge in emotional eating. 6. SET A KITCHEN CURFEW OFTEN when you know there's a limit or cut-off to something, it mentally draws a line under that activity. So set yourself a curfew for going into the kitchen to hunt down snacks. 'Choose a time such as 7pm or 8pm to stop eating and avoid the kitchen altogether,' Hannah says. 'This creates a boundary that helps separate eating from winding down, which can help reduce mindless snacking.' 7. BRUSH YOUR TEETH WE all know the importance of brushing teeth before bed to avoid plaque, tooth decay and gum disease. But it can also help deter you from eating, according to Anne-Sophie. 'When you brush your teeth in the evenings, your brain learns to associate tooth brushing with the end of the day and also, the end of eating for the day,' she says. 'This becomes a conditioned behaviour, similar to how you feel sleepy when you start dimming the lights.' Plus, if you've ever tried eating food straight after brushing with a minty fresh toothpaste, you'll know that it never tastes good. 'Your brain knows that it won't get the same reward since the food will taste unpleasant and this can help reduce your motivation to eat,' Anne-Sophie adds. 8. KEEP YOUR HANDS BUSY OPENING a packet and putting food in your mouth can become an automatic motor behaviour, especially when you're watching TV or scrolling on social media, according to Anne-Sophie. So, why not try keeping your hands busy with something else? 'Activities like knitting or drawing create incompatible motor actions, physically blocking the pathway of reaching for food,' she says. 'Anything that grounds you in the moment, gives your hands something to do, and rewards your brain can be helpful here.' CAN YOU TRAIN YOUR WILLPOWER? THE short answer is, yes. 'Willpower is like a muscle, it can be strengthened with practise,' says Anne-Sophie. 'Small wins build self-control over time. Start with manageable goals and gradually increase challenges. Hannah adds: 'Tracking your progress is also a useful tool so you can monitor where you went wrong and adjust moving forward and, most importantly, celebrate your wins.' She recommends being as specific as possible with your goals. 'Instead of saying, 'I want to stop snacking in the evening', aim for, 'I will stop snacking after 8pm for the next week',' Hannah says. 'Self-compassion is also key here as being too hard on yourself after a slip-up can demotivate you and potentially impact your self-esteem, which can impact decision making.' Wherever possible, focus on progress, not perfection. Anne-Sophie says: 'Remember that willpower is often context dependent, so you want to create an environment that supports healthy habits. 'Keep tempting snacks out of sight, establish a structured evening routine and plan your meals.' Struggling with a particular craving? It may not be caused by hunger. 'Check in with your emotional state as stress, boredom and fatigue could be driving cravings,' says Hannah. By Alice Fuller, Health Features Editor CAN'T resist reaching for a biscuit by 11am or crying out for crisps come 4pm? Whether we prefer sweet or savoury, many of us are consumed by food cravings throughout the day. And that can be normal. Our bodies go through various changes that often leave us wanting something specific. But sometimes, the foods and drinks we desire, and when, can indicate there might be something else going on beyond hunger. And in some cases, it can be a sign you need medical attention. Dr Crystal Wyllie, a GP and leading clinician at ZAVA Online Doctor, tells Sun Health: ' Cravings can reveal a lot about what your body or mind needs. 'They are driven by a mix of biological and environmental factors, such as hormonal changes in pregnancy or menstruation, nutrient deficiencies, shifts in blood sugar, and social settings. 'Emotions also play a big role. Stress, anxiety or boredom can lead to cravings as certain foods provide a temporary sense of pleasure and relief. 'On top of that, the dopamine released when you eat these foods can reinforce your cravings over time.' But how can you tell the difference? 'If you're constantly reaching for sweets, cakes or biscuits, for example, it's likely your body is seeking a serotonin boost,' Dr Wyllie says. 'Sugary treats can offer a quick mood lift, which is why we often crave them when we're feeling low or bored. 'Similarly, cravings for savoury snacks like crisps, nuts or cheese can indicate your body needs more sodium or protein. 'This is particularly common if you've just been to the gym or you're dehydrated. 'Hormonal changes during your period can also trigger cravings for energy-dense foods like chocolate, pasta or fried food, as your body works harder and requires extra fuel. 'Recognising these patterns can help you address your cravings more healthily, and help you choose foods that satisfy your body's needs without overindulging. 'It's important that cravings don't lead to overeating, especially with calorie-rich foods (like those that are sugary or fatty) as this can lead to health issues such as obesity. 'All food groups should be consumed in moderation, bearing in mind your total calorie intake per day.' So whether you're desperate for chicken nuggets, doughnuts or garlic bread, you can read more about what could be driving your cravings in the full article here.
