Health Coach Jo

Health Coach Jo Jo Berthelot, Dip.CNM, mANP - Health Coach
Diabetes Prevention Practitioner
www.healthcoachjo.co.uk

I decided to replace all my non-stick pans for stainless steel. I’ve been doing a lot of research on this and it doesn’t...
01/04/2026

I decided to replace all my non-stick pans for stainless steel. I’ve been doing a lot of research on this and it doesn’t make sense to continue using chemically treated pans that I cook on daily, and then potentially ingest.

I’ve cut out ultra processed food where I can, stopped using harsh chemicals on my skin and hair, so swapping out my pans was the next step. These small swaps can make a huge difference to your health.

I know my fried eggs will be a bit sad while I get used to cooking on stainless steel 🤣 but my gut and hormones will be happier.

Incase you’re wondering what all the fuss is about Teflon or PTFE (polytetrafluroethylene) is a chemical used to coat pans to make them non-stick. When heated to a high temperature this coating can release toxic fumes which can lead to something they call Teflon flu.

Also, the coating can break down over time which releases toxic particles into our food. 🤢 (see 2nd photo of a damaged Teflon pan). It might be worth checking your own pans for damage and replacing when you can.

PFAS (per/polyfluoroalkyl) is another one to avoid, these forever chemicals don’t break down and accumulate in the body, and studies suggest they’ve been linked to hormone disruption, cancer and other health implications. Not banned yet (but should be!)

PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) - is effectively banned (whatever that means), so check your labels!

Endometriosis and Adenomyosis are debilitating chronic conditions, that is more than just ‘period pain’. Women are waiti...
29/03/2026

Endometriosis and Adenomyosis are debilitating chronic conditions, that is more than just ‘period pain’.

Women are waiting 9 years and 4 months for a diagnosis, it was 7 years when I was diagnosed over 10 years ago - WTAF! Proof women’s health is not a priority.

They say 1 in 10 women are diagnosed with endometriosis, but in reality that’s probably much higher if women are not being diagnosed for nearly 10 years.

That’s 9+ years not knowing what’s wrong with you, but knowing something is fundamentally wrong, whilst being turned away from doctors and hospitals, knowing each month you’re going to be in intense pain (and for many all month). It affects every aspect of your life, education, work, social events, relationships, mental health in addition to the actual symptoms.

I manage my condition extremely well with lifestyle, but I still can’t escape the moment my body goes into physical shock because of the pain of my cycle each a month, which will see me randomly with no warning be unable to move, sweat dripping down my face, the colour drains from my body whilst gripping whatever is in sight and I know in that moment I will either pass out or be sick. I don’t know when or where it will happen, but it will happen on the first day of my cycle.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside the uterus. It can be found in many parts of the body.

Adenomyosis occurs when tissue from the lining of your uterus grows into your uterine wall which can cause your uterus to thicken or grow in size.

In both cases these cells thicken and bleed wherever they are (where they shouldn’t be!) in sync with your monthly cycle.

Symptoms to look out for:
Heavy bleeding
Painful cramps
Pelvic pain (can also be in your back / legs)
Pain during / after s*x
Bloating or fullness in belly
Pain with bowel movements or urination
Fatigue
Fertility problems

If you are suffering don’t take no for answer, advocate for yourself to get a diagnosis and the correct treatment to help manage it. You shouldn’t have to suffer. Drop me a message if you have any questions.

🎗

Hello 2026!I thought it was the perfect time to re-introduce myself.2025 was a busy one, working full-time in my corpora...
01/01/2026

Hello 2026!

I thought it was the perfect time to re-introduce myself.

2025 was a busy one, working full-time in my corporate role, running my health coaching business, and supporting my voluntary work, but I truly love what I do. Here are a few highlights from the year:

❤️ Supporting women’s health
My coaching business helps women improve their energy, reduce stress, and focus on healthy ageing and it is the most rewarding work. I’m so grateful for the knowledge I’ve gained and the opportunity to share it with others.

❤️ Delivering the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
I spend 9 months with each group, and I’m incredibly proud of participants for showing up for themselves. I’ll never get tired of hearing the words “I’ve reversed prediabetes.” Alongside this, I see improvements in weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels, proof that lifestyle choices really do matter.

❤️ Voluntary work
I host a local Menopause Café to create a safe, supportive space where women can talk, share experiences, and feel less alone during what can be a difficult phase of life.

I’m also a member of the Rope4Hope committe who are raising vital funds on behalf of Cancer Research UK, aiming to unite communities through the simple art of skipping (my favourite way to stay active). There is an exciting event happening on 12 September 2026, and I’d love for you to get involved. Visit rope4hope.com for more info and I’ll post more about it soon.

Thanks for being here 💛

healthyhabits

Working as a Diabetes Prevention Practitioner I get to see on a weekly basis the negative impact of prediabetes / type 2...
14/11/2025

Working as a Diabetes Prevention Practitioner I get to see on a weekly basis the negative impact of prediabetes / type 2 diabetes, and the debilitating symptoms it can cause.

BUT I also get to see blood sugar levels return to a normal range just by tweaking some daily habits which is why I’m obsessed with my work.

High blood sugar levels can negatively impact almost every part of your body due to the damage to blood vessels and nerves.

🧠 - higher risk of anxiety, depression, cognitive decline and dementia

👀 - damage to the retina can cause eyesight issues and even blindness (diabetes is the leading cause of blindness)

👂- you’re twice as likely to experience hearing loss when you have diabetes

👄 - higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva will be high in gluclose and bacteria thrive in a sugary environment (as do many other diseases)!

🫀- risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, stroke or heart attack (cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally)

🫘 - risk of kidney failure which could lead to kidney dialysis / transplant

😘 - reduced s*xual function (ability to respond to s*xual stimuli), it can also affect fertility.

👣- Nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet can cause sores and infections (diabetes is the leading cause of lower limb amputations)

☹️ - nerve damage can cause tingling, numbness or pain in the body and even digestive problems (nausea, heartburn, bloating, loss of appetite)

🥊 - reduced immunity due to slower white blood cell production which help fight infections, it can also take longer to recover from symptoms.

Many people are walking around with pre-diabetes and have no idea. If left untreated, it can develop into type 2 diabetes, BUT it can be reversed with the right lifestyle modifications. I see these transformations in my clinic every week!

7 in 10 adults living with diabetes are of working age! I deliver corporate presentations on pre-diabetes / diabetes prevention to help raise awareness, empower employees, and promote a healthier workforce. If your workplace could benefit from this, I’d love to hear from you.

Natural Hair Journey - Post 5They say ‘a year to the ear’ and that’s about right - it’s about 14 months since I last col...
09/11/2025

Natural Hair Journey - Post 5

They say ‘a year to the ear’ and that’s about right - it’s about 14 months since I last coloured my hair (Sept 2024).

I still have a way to go, but I’m getting closer to my goal of growing out all the colour, and I can’t wait, I can’t stand that brassy damaged hair at the ends.

I still can’t believe I haven’t caved in, I was 80% sure I wouldn’t go through with it, but somewhere between 8-12 weeks, I realised that I actually liked the colour coming in.

After a big cut in March (above my collarbone), I’m now trying to grow it back to where it was, sometimes I get tempted to do another big cut but I miss my long hair, so I’m going to persevere.

I don’t miss the time wasted at the hairdressers, nor spending all that money every 6 weeks. My natural hair feels so much healthier, and there’s something liberating about accepting your authentic self (especially when the external noise is promoting the opposite).









Happy World Mental Health Day!After years of working in the corporate world, and now supporting people as a Health Coach...
10/10/2025

Happy World Mental Health Day!

After years of working in the corporate world, and now supporting people as a Health Coach, I’ve worked with so many people who are exhausted and burnt out. It was common practice at one point to be the first one in, last one to leave and to work through lunch.

This is a reminder that you can be good at your job, but still set boundaries that protect your time, energy and mental health. Pushing through doesn’t work long term, your body will force you to stop.

If you broke your foot, you wouldn’t endlessly continue walking on it. You’d take a break, allow it to heal, and move forward with care and compassion. Your mental health is no different!

Do you recognise the signs of burn out?

💤 Constantly tired, even after a full night’s sleep
💭 Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally foggy
😩 Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained
😔 Loss of motivation or interest in work (or things you normally enjoy)
😡 Increased irritability, frustration, or mood swings
🤕 Frequent headaches, muscle tension, or other stress-related aches
🍫 Turning to sugar, caffeine, or alcohol for energy or comfort
💻 Working longer hours but feeling less productive
😶 Feeling detached, cynical, or disconnected from colleagues or loved ones
🤯 Trouble switching off, even outside of work

Here are some of the things that work for me:

🥗 Nutritious food - balanced meals with lean protein, healthy fats, complex carbs provide the energy and nutrients I need to function at an optimal level.

🙆‍♀️ Regular exercise - every hour or so, I get up and stretch or do a few bodyweight moves (plank, squats, sit ups, push-ups).

🚶Fresh air - A daily walk is a non-negotiable, being outside in nature has been shown to calm the nervous system and reduce stress.

What do you put in place to support your mental wellbeing?

My favourite breakfast!Ditching ultra-processed food and fuelling my body with real, nutrient-dense foods has been the b...
11/08/2025

My favourite breakfast!

Ditching ultra-processed food and fuelling my body with real, nutrient-dense foods has been the best decision I’ve made for my health.

When you know how to build a plate that supports your health, brain, and blood sugar, you can boost your energy, sharpen your focus, and avoid the dreaded blood sugar rollercoaster.

Ultra-processed foods might give you a quick hit, but they’ll leave you sluggish, craving more sugar, and, over time, running low on the nutrients your body truly needs.

I’m delighted to be part of the upcoming Wellbeing Event in Bromley and will be hosting a free Menopause Café on Friday,...
20/06/2025

I’m delighted to be part of the upcoming Wellbeing Event in Bromley and will be hosting a free Menopause Café on Friday, 27th June from 2–5pm.

Feel free to drop by, say hello, and connect with other women navigating a similar journey..

Celebrate World Wellbeing Week in Bromley!

World Wellbeing Week is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting all aspects of wellbeing — physical, mental, emotional and social. It’s a time for us to reflect on our own wellbeing, support others, and take positive steps toward a healthier, more balanced life.

We have created a programme of activities to celebrate this initiative at the One Bromley Wellbeing Hub in The Glades Shopping Centre, Upper Mall (BR1 1DN) from Tuesday 24 June to Saturday 28 June.

All activities are free and there is no need to book.

3 reasons I stopped taking the contraceptive pill.1. The combined oestrogen–progestogen pill has been classified as a ca...
18/06/2025

3 reasons I stopped taking the contraceptive pill.

1. The combined oestrogen–progestogen pill has been classified as a carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has put it in the same category as ci******es and asbestos due to its potential link to breast cancer and cervical cancer. 😳

2. Following a blood test I was told my cortisol (stress hormone) was three times higher than it should be, apparently that’s ‘normal’ for women on the pill. 😡

3. Now I’m in my 40’s, the reality is perimenopause will kick in soon and I want to be able to track my cycle to see what changes arise which wouldn’t be obvious on the pill. 🗓️

The contraceptive pill puts your reproduction system to sleep, and the ‘period’ you get when you’re on the pill isn’t a real period (caused by ovulation). It’s a withdrawal bleed.

There are many side affects to the contraceptive pill (see leaflet in the box), that some women may not connect to the pill, especially if they’ve been on it a long time because it becomes the norm, but it might be worth checking the side effects if you are experiencing symptoms.

I realise when it comes to contraception, the choices are limited and it may be your only choice right now, but I want all women to make an informed decision when it comes to their health and this information isn’t always shared when you’re prescribed the pill.


*xualhealth

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http://www.healthcoachjo.co.uk/, https://healthcoachjo.co.uk/thermomix-tm7/

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