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The Sun
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I have crazy cravings & it's nothing to do with being pregnant…I've eaten limescale for years & munch on paper every day
A MOTHER has revealed that she has been battling 'crazy' cravings for years - and it's not due to being pregnant. Yaz Chapman, who is currently 36 weeks pregnant with a baby girl, has opened up on her 'unusual' cravings, which see her munch on five pieces of A4 paper every single day. 2 2 Not only this, but the content creator has also been eating kettle limescale for years too - yes, you heard that correctly. Posting on social media, Yaz opened up about dealing with Pica disorder, which according to her, is when you crave 'non-nutritional items.' Pica disorder, also known as Pica, is a condition where a person compulsively swallows non-food items. It's especially common in children and while it's often harmless, swallowing certain items can make Pica very hazardous. It's often treatable with therapy and a modification to lifestyle and circumstances. As a result of her Pica disorder, Yaz has three cravings - the first of which is kettle limescale. She explained: 'As soon as I get a bit of limescale, I like to scrape it out and eat it, which sounds absolutely crazy, but I've done that for years.' Yaz's second craving is dental stone - a high-strength gypsum product used in dentistry to create accurate and durable models, impressions, and moulds for prosthetics and orthodontics. The mother revealed: 'I buy the powder to make dental stone, I mix it all up, it turns into a paste and then I spread it on a plate on top of tin foil and then I peel it off. 'I break it up into little bite size pieces and then I bang all in a little tub and just eat it as and when I'm craving it.' Watch moment Megan McKenna reveals bizarre pregnancy craving Yaz's third craving is paper, as she continued: 'I also eat paper, I probably eat about four/five bits of A4 paper a day.' The mother acknowledged that while Pica is 'very common in pregnancy,' she has had it since she was a child. And not only can she not get enough of kettle limescale, dental stone and paper, but she also used to crave rolling paper too. She admitted: 'I used to eat Rizlas, it had to be green Rizlas - but yeah, everyone's always asking about my cravings and people are always completely baffled by it.' Social media users react The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ yazchapman2323, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 423,700 views. Not only this, but it's also amassed 51,200 likes, 608 comments and 6,889 shares. Social media users were gobsmacked by Yaz's 'unusual' cravings and raced to the comments to express this. One user gasped: 'That's fascinating.' A second wrote: 'Sorry I was literally expecting like gravy and chips or scraping the ice off the freezer, the limescale one took me out, but it's so interesting!' Whilst someone else penned: 'Oh wow that's unusual.' At the same time, one user questioned: 'How did you know you liked dental stone? I can't imagine a scenario where you tried it for the first time to know you liked it.' In response, Yaz wrote back and confirmed: 'I was eating chalky stuff anyway, then I started eating tile grouting, literally digging it out from the tiles craving something chalky so bad. 'I had a mould in my cupboard from when I had my grill made and I just thought 'ooh I wonder what that's like, it's chalky', and I literally ate a solid mould of my teeth and then needed more.' Find out more on cravings 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.' Meanwhile, someone else asked: 'Is that safe for you and baby though?' To this, Yaz replied and snapped: 'It's fine.' Not only this, but other social media users were eager to share the rather unusual cravings they have experienced. One person said: 'My craving is smelling cleaning products and washing detergents.' Another added: 'I crave ice, love the crunch.'
The Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
The deeply selfish holiday trend sweeping Europe's beaches this summer – and it's WORSE than sunbed hogging
IT used to be the reserve of the selfish hotel sun bed hoggers. But across Europe there's a new menace on those beautiful Mediterranean beaches - and in my eyes, it's even worse. 5 5 We're talking about the selfish sun-seekers who are bringing more to the beach than a bucket and spade. Nowadays, people are pitching up with ever more complicated, sand-stealing tents, cabanas and more, that provide their self-serving owners with very little extra shade, but take up a LOT more space. I'm talking about these new 'beach tent canopies' - monstrous gazebo-type structures that take up huge amounts of beach space. Where once we were happy with a beach umbrella and a couple of towels, now these new contraptions are making a land grab that ruins any beach scene. Gone are blissful sea views and instead, a barricade of tacky tarpaulin is suddenly erected in front of you. With complicated sand-bag sides and ever more elaborate systems of ropes and cords, it makes a stroll across many Mediterranean seashores a terrifying assault course. And it's not just me who's up in arms. Australia's Prime Minister has got in on the act, declaring it's 'not on' to use large, portable cabanas to reserve great swathes of the country's beaches. Anthony Albanese declared the practice of nabbing the sands a 'breach' of the principle that 'every Australian is equal' on the beach. It's a debate raging on social media Down Under where some have praised the ingenuity of the sand-grabbers, saying they offer important shade in a country with some of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. But others are outraged that these large structures take up huge amounts of space, and much like the sunlounger hoggers of old, are rarely used for the entire day. Center Parcs launches new treetop adcventure at Longleat Forest Beach, please On the public beach in La Faviere in the South of France last summer, I watched in dismay as they turned up and started digging early every morning. With beach buggies filled to the brim with sails and ropes, they would start to create their own little private spaces with little regard for others. Hours would be spent erecting these flapping edifices - before the whole family would then wander off for a dip in the sea, or even more irritatingly, a three-hour lunch. Admirable as it is that no one ever seems to want to nick their big beach set ups, it does mean that when those who do want to head down to the beach for a sunbathe or a swim in peak season are having to pick their way between endless guide ropes and tents. 5 5 Of course, I've got nothing against some decent beach kit. A basic beach umbrella is of course a must - for a little shade in the harsh sunshine. And those little beach tents for children - with SPF 50+ UV protection are an essential for families with young babies and tots who may need a break from harsh sunlight. Absolutely fine by me. Babies, of course, take up very little space. But as our beaches become ever more crowded in the peak summer months, this horrible habit is starting to pitch up on the UK coast too. We come to the beach for the wonderful sea views and chance to lay out on soft sands and enjoy the sun. What's wrong with a towel and beach umbrella with a good, hardy base that either is filled with sand or screws into the ground to avoid being blown away in the wind? I take up very little space - for me, a low-rise chair for sunbathing or reading my book is perfect. I bring a cool bag for extra supplies and that's about it. The sooner these sand-stealers are called out and evicted from the beaches, the better! The bags, plane outfits and accessories The Sun's travel team loves K-Brands Sick Bags - £14.99 for 24 (approx. 55p each). Sturdy sick bags with a plastic ring for easy holding and a heavy-duty design to prevent leaks. Phone Suction Holder - From 99p on Amazon. Features 12 suction pads to stick your phone to any glass surface for hands-free video calls or selfies. Amazon Foam Earplugs - 34p per pair (£3.39 for 10). Moulds to your ear shape for comfort, muffles noise effectively on planes, in hotels, or from crying babies. Matador's Pocket Blanket Mini - A water-resistant mat that fits in the palm of your hand, perfect for laying down in airports, on the beach, or anywhere a child might need a break. Flight Socks - From £5.99 on Amazon or £7.95 from Asda. These help prevent swollen ankles on long flights and are advised to avoid DVT. Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8 - £69.99. A trusty e-reader that can store hundreds of books and doubles as a tablet for offline viewing of shows like Netflix on flights. Primark Packing Cubes - £8 for a pack of three. Life-savers for compressing clothes to save space and for organising items like trousers, tops, and swimwear within your luggage. Bluetooth Headphone Adapter - £16.99 from Amazon. Allows you to connect your own headphones (including noise-cancelling ones) to onboard inflight entertainment, with 18 hours of battery life. Hoppstar Artist Kids Camera - Pricier end of travel accessories (specific price not given). Takes excellent pictures, has a decent screen, and can print black and white versions in about three seconds for a non-messy activity. Primark Dark Pink Joggers & Matching Sweatshirt - £6 each. Comfortable, loose-fitting tracksuit pieces that are ideal for flights and are very budget-friendly.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Helen Flanagan left shaken by man after he launched foul-mouthed tirade at her on the tube
HELEN Flanagan has told how she was left feeling shaken and uncomfortable by a man who launched a foul-mouthed tirade at her on the Tube. The former Coronation Street star was left stunned when he accused her of having too much botox after she challenged him for abusing another woman on the underground. 3 3 Detailing the confrontation, Helen told fans in a video on social media: "I was on the Tube and there was this man sat across from me, and there was this girl about my age, sat across, and I noticed that the man took a picture of this woman on the Tube. "Anyway, I probably - it's a bit embarrassing for me to say this. "I should have said something but I actually felt a bit intimidated by the man, so I just thought, I felt like I couldn't say anything. "Anyway the woman next to me was braver than me and she just said, 'excuse me, did you take a picture of that woman? I just saw you take a picture of that woman.' "And like, he just ignored her and pretended that he couldn't hear her. "And then, eventually he was really aggressive, and like, told her to 'eff off' and 'shut the eff up', and oh my God it was awful." Helen then bravely stepped in to stand up for the woman - but it set her up to be abused by the stranger herself. She continued: "So then obviously, like I'm a real like girl's girl and I just said, 'Don't effing speak to her like that. I saw you, you did take a picture of her. You're lying.' "He was really awful and I actually felt really intimidated, and I felt like I couldn't say much to him because I did feel really intimidated by him. "He said to me, it was like the weirdest thing he could have said, 'You've got so much Botox in your forehead', and I was sat there with an iced coffee, and he was like, 'I'm surprised you can even drink through a straw.'" Helen Flanagan stuns in sheer green lingerie and suspenders after revealing body insecurities Laughing it off, Helen said: "To be fair, I am dead soft. I don't get in arguments with people. "I was only sticking up for this girl because of course, I would always stick up for other women. "I didn't know what to say, this sounds tight but like, he deserves it - he wasn't the most attractive of men. "I couldn't say anything to him, so I said, 'I feel sorry for you'. "It's not nice as a woman where you actually feel intimidated he was just an absolute idiot."
Times of Oman
10-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Linda Yaccarino steps down as CEO of X after two years
Texas: Social media platform X CEO Linda Yaccarino has announced her decision to step down from her role. She has led Elon Musk-owned X for the past two years. While announcing her decision on X, Yaccarino expressed gratitude to Musk for giving her the responsibility of protecting free speech and "transforming X into the Everything App." In a post on X, Yaccarino stated, "After two incredible years, I've decided to step down as CEO of X. When @elonmusk and I first spoke of his vision for X, I knew it would be the opportunity of a lifetime to carry out the extraordinary mission of this company. I'm immensely grateful to him for entrusting me with the responsibility of protecting free speech, turning the company around, and transforming X into the Everything App. I'm incredibly proud of the X team - the historic business turn around we have accomplished together has been nothing short of remarkable." "We started with the critical early work necessary to prioritize the safety of our users--especially children, and to restore advertiser confidence. This team has worked relentlessly from groundbreaking innovations like Community Notes, and, soon, X Money to bringing the most iconic voices and content to the platform. Now, the best is yet to come as X enters a new chapter with @xai," she added. She called X a "truly digital town square" for all voices and the world's "most powerful culture signal" and stressed that they would not have been able to achieve that without the support of their users, business partners and the "most innovative team." In the post on X, she further wrote, "X is truly a digital town square for all voices and the world's most powerful culture signal. We couldn't have achieved that without the support of our users, business partners, and the most innovative team in the world. I'll be cheering you all on as you continue to change the world. As always, I'll see you on X." She joined X, then known as Twitter, in 2023, about six months after Musk's takeover of the social media platform. Prior to joining X, she served as the chair of NBCUniversal Media's global advertising and partnerships, The Hill reported. While she served as X's CEO, several changes were brought to the platform, including its rebranding from Twitter to X, and numerous crises. Advertisers fled the site after Musk's takeover of X, as he began introducing various content moderation policies and restoring previously banned accounts, including that of US President Donald Trump. Her efforts to bring advertisers back to the platform were occasionally derailed by Musk. In 2023, Musk slammed advertisers who decided to end their spending in the platform over a report that X was placing ads next to white nationalist content, telling them to "go f**k yourself," The Hill reported. Her departure from X comes as Musk wants to combine the social media company with his artificial intelligence (AI) firm xAI, The Hill reported. Earlier in March, Elon Musk said that xAI had acquired X in a USD 45 billion deal.
The Independent
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Popular sandwich shop chain raises eyebrows with £13 salad range
Pret A Manger has launched a new "Super Plates" salad range, priced between £9.95 and £12.95, in response to increased demand for larger, nutrient-dense salads. The new range, which includes Miso Salmon and Chipotle Chicken options, is 60 per cent larger than existing salads and features premium ingredients. Pret stated that sales of its salads have grown significantly, three times faster than sandwiches, prompting the introduction of these new protein-packed options. However, the high price of the "Super Plates" has sparked widespread debate and outrage among social media users, who criticised the cost for a salad. The new salad range will be available in 250 Pret stores across the UK, including major cities like London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham, from Thursday, 9 July.
