I’m Karen Gwerder, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® and Clinical Herbalist. I combine advanced testing, personalized nutrition, and health coaching to uncover what’s draining your energy and support your body’s natural resilience.
“Why am I so tired all the time? I’m too young to feel this old.”
It’s a thought I couldn’t shake that sunny afternoon. I was sitting on a park bench, watching my three-year-old daughter play. I wanted to join her to chase her giggles & soak up these fleeting moments of her childhood. But my body wouldn’t cooperate.
I felt heavy, exhausted, and ashamed. Other parents (some a decade older than me) were running and laughing with their kids. Why couldn’t I? I kept thinking, What’s wrong with me? Why don’t I have the energy I should at this age?
The truth? I was running on empty. As a mom, I was putting myself last. Quick meals, takeout, and caffeine became my survival kit. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t thriving. My energy crashes left me irritable and foggy. My skin was breaking out like I was 16 again, and migraines would knock me down multiple times a month.
The turning point wasn’t planned, it began with my daughter’s diagnosis of life-threatening food allergies when she was one, after a severe reaction that left us shaken. From that moment on, every meal for her became a meticulous process of reading labels, avoiding allergens, and getting creative in the kitchen to make food that would nourish her.
At first, my husband and I didn’t change our own eating habits. We kept to our usual Standard American Diet (refined grains, processed foods, and takeout,) while I made separate meals for her. For over three years, I managed two completely different menus.
But as she grew older, I began to feel the strain, not just in the kitchen, but in my heart. I longed for us to share the same table, the same food, as a family. Food isn’t just about nutrients, it’s about connection, and I didn’t want her to feel alone in her journey.
So, little by little, we all started eating what she ate: fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, gluten-free grains like rice and corn, and meals free of inflammatory ingredients.
I didn’t expect much for myself. But to my surprise, things started shifting. My energy improved. I wasn’t hitting that mid-afternoon wall anymore.
My mood stabilized, I wasn’t snapping or withdrawing because I was too drained to engage. My skin cleared, the migraines decreased, and I even lost weight effortlessly without “dieting.”
Today, I feel vibrant and energized. I have the energy to be fully present with her during the day. I’m no longer watching life from the sidelines. I’m engaged, connected, and savoring these moments as we navigate this new season of life together.
The best part? It wasn’t about restriction or a quick-fix diet. It was about learning how to nourish my body in a way that honored its needs and in doing so, I unlocked a version of myself I didn’t know was possible.
If you’re tired of feeling like you’re running on fumes, constantly wondering, “Why am I so exhausted? Why can’t I feel like myself again?” It’s not your fault.
Your body might be sending you signals that hidden food sensitivities or genetic factors are draining your energy.
That’s exactly why I created the G.E.N.E.S. framework. It helps people like you uncover the root causes of their fatigue, mood swings, and stubborn weight, and create a personalized plan to restore your energy, focus, and vitality.
Want to find out what’s really holding you back? Let’s talk.
My mission is to help others experience the same transformation I found, moving from exhaustion and overwhelm to energy and resilience. Through the G.E.N.E.S. Framework, I combine cutting-edge science with holistic care to uncover root causes, create personalized wellness blueprints, and guide individuals toward sustainable energy, balanced mood, and digestive health.
Professional Bio
In December 2024, I became Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® – a credential which demonstrates that I have achieved the highest level of professional recognition (validating my knowledge and experience) in the holistic nutrition industry.
Being Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® enables me to serve you with the best, most current research and advanced nutritional science.
To maintain this designation, I am required to take part in and document numerous continuing education credits annually.
Board certification proves that I am aware of and conduct my nutrition business within the legal scope of service and standards of professional conduct.
I am very proud of this designation and it is my hope that the value it adds to your health journey is evident in every service I offer. I am a professional member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
In Health,
Karen Gwerder, BCHN®
Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®
