Awakening to Better Health: How to Activate Change Before It’s Too Late

When it comes to health, many people don’t take action until it’s too late. But what if we could wake up to the signs earlier? I recently sat down with Claudia Le Feuvre, a passionate health advocate and expert, to discuss how we can make wellbeing more accessible, the power of small changes, and the latest tools helping people take control of their health before a crisis hits. From innovative apps to real-time glucose monitoring, Claudia shares her insights on the most effective ways to inspire people to make lasting changes—before they reach the point of no return.

I have been in the wellbeing space for quite some time now—eighteen years to be exact. But my journey into nutrition actually began in my twenties when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. At the time, I was working on Big Brother 2 for Channel 4, a fast-paced and demanding job, and yet my health was calling for attention. I instinctively felt there had to be a better way than medication to manage my condition, and that curiosity led me into the incredible world of nutritional therapy. Today, I am grateful for that experience because it shaped my entire career and transformed my health. Now, I manage my blood pressure naturally and am passionate about helping others reclaim their wellbeing.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of lecturing at the British College of Nutrition & Health and the Nutritional Healing Foundation. I also run the nutrition program for Goldster, a pioneering company creating the largest preventative healthcare system, working to elevate the health of entire communities. Right now, I am running a weight management program for 320 women through Goldster, guiding them towards sustainable, nourishing choices that support their bodies and minds.

One of the most fascinating conversations I have had recently was with Dr. Craig Rose, also known as Doctor Seaweed. Our discussion opened my eyes to the crucial role of iodine in overall health—something that is often overlooked. Iodine is essential, particularly for women, because we have so many more glands that rely on its proper function. It plays a fundamental role in thyroid health, supporting metabolism, energy levels, and even hair growth. Yet, so many people are unknowingly deficient, and the symptoms can be profound: extreme fatigue, sluggishness, unexplained weight gain, constipation, and even hair thinning—especially at the outer third of the eyebrows. Many women assume these changes are simply part of aging or menopause, but in reality, they could be a sign of subclinical hypothyroidism, where thyroid levels are within the so-called ‘normal’ range but are not optimal for the individual.

This is where high-quality, food-based iodine sources like Doctor. Seaweed’s products can be so beneficial. Unlike synthetic supplements, which carry the risk of toxicity if taken in excess, seaweed-derived iodine provides a natural, balanced dose—similar to what you’d find in a portion of haddock. In my practice, I often test iodine levels, particularly for women with a history of miscarriage, as iodine deficiency can impact fertility and the ability to maintain a healthy pregnancy. It is such a simple, yet powerful, mineral that can make a profound difference in wellbeing.

Iodine is crucial for thyroid function, but new studies suggest that seaweed-based sources of iodine may have even broader benefits, including blood sugar regulation and inflammation reduction—both of which are key for people at risk of type 2 diabetes. While research is still developing, there’s growing interest in using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to track the effects of different foods on individual blood sugar responses.

The Future of Health: Real-Time Monitoring

This brings us to one of the most fascinating developments in personal health tracking: continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for non-diabetics. The Hello Lingo CGM allows users to wear a sensor for two weeks, tracking how different foods and stressors affect their blood sugar.

For me, the results were eye-opening. My usual breakfast—porridge packed with nuts, seeds, and flax—still spiked my blood sugar more than I expected. With that insight, I adjusted my ingredients and noticed immediate improvements. On the flip side, I discovered that dark chocolate had minimal impact on my glucose levels, while wheat-based foods caused significant spikes. This kind of real-time data is incredibly powerful for identifying hidden stressors on the body—whether from diet or even emotional stress.

This level of insight is invaluable, allowing individuals to make tailored changes based on what actually works for their body. For those curious about their own metabolic responses, CGMs can offer a fascinating way to experiment—just be sure to choose a two-week period when you have control over your meals and routine.

Breaking Through the Trends

Beyond iodine and CGM’s, another exciting area of research in weight management is Akkermansia muciniphila, a probiotic that has been gaining attention for its role in metabolism and appetite regulation. The current wave of weight loss injections works by mimicking glucagon-like peptides (GLPs), which signal satiety to the brain, but Akkermansia appears to have a similar effect—naturally. I have had clients take Akkermansia and report back that their cravings for sugary foods have disappeared, and their appetite feels naturally regulated. This probiotic also plays a critical role in gut health by reinforcing the protective mucus layer of the intestines, which can become compromised due to stress, poor diet, or disordered eating. The more we learn about the gut-brain connection, the clearer it becomes that a well-nourished gut is key to overall health and vitality.

What I love about nutrition is that it is never a one-size-fits-all approach. And that is the beauty of personalised nutrition—we can truly tailor interventions to support each person’s journey.

Desmond Tutu once said, “There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.” That is exactly how I feel about health and nutrition. Instead of waiting until people are struggling, let’s empower them with knowledge, nourish their bodies with what they truly need, and prevent the decline before it starts. Because when we get ahead of the issues, we don’t just manage symptoms—we transform lives.

Awakening to Better Health: How to Activate Change Before It’s Too Late

Many people move through life in a state of unawareness when it comes to their health—sleeping, in a way, until something jolts them awake. Unfortunately, for many, that wake-up call comes in the form of a diagnosis. Time and again, I meet men who have just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. They’ve spent years consuming sugary drinks, processed foods, and leading sedentary lives, unaware of the long-term consequences.

The challenge is reaching people before they get to that point. You can’t force someone to listen, and you certainly can’t dictate their choices. Health information has to be engaging, accessible, and, most importantly, something people want to explore. That’s why tools like the Yuka app are so valuable. Instead of overwhelming people with complex nutritional science, it empowers them to make informed choices by simply scanning barcodes. Suddenly, they’re learning about hidden additives in their favourite foods and choosing healthier alternatives—not because they were told to, but because they want to.

The Power of Personalised Guidance

One of the biggest obstacles to lasting change is confusion. Every day, new health trends and conflicting advice emerge—one study praises a particular diet, while another warns against it. Decision fatigue sets in, and people end up doing nothing. That’s where working with a professional can make a real difference.

Rather than jumping into expensive tests, I encourage people to first get as many assessments as they can through their GP. From there, we can explore practical, accessible interventions. For example, if someone has gut issues, rather than immediately resorting to costly lab work, we might try a natural supplement like Dida, which contains thyme, garlic, and cinnamon—powerful ingredients known for their antimicrobial properties.

Making Health Accessible to All

My work with Goldster, particularly in Elgin, Scotland, is a perfect example of making wellness available to everyone, not just those who can afford private consultations. We’re working at a city-wide level, providing education and support in areas like weight management, chronic pain relief, and fall prevention. For many participants, basic nutrition is still a mystery—questions like, “Can I keep my squash?” or “Is salad cream okay?” are common. These are the people who need the most support, and reaching them at this level is incredibly rewarding.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as switching from a highly processed oat milk to a cleaner version or choosing sourdough bread over conventional wheat-based options.

The key is making information accessible, empowering people with the right tools, and supporting them through the process. Whether it’s through city-wide initiatives, personalised coaching, or digital tools like Yuka and CGMs, we need to meet people where they are and help them wake up before it’s too late.