We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Colleen Kurtz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Colleen, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I didn’t just stumble upon my purpose—I lived it. In my 20s, my body completely crashed. My energy tanked, I was sleeping 12+ hours a day, barely making it through my day, and missing out on time spent with my husband, friends, and family. Joint pain, digestive issues, skin problems—you name it, I was dealing with it. And yet, every doctor I saw told me I was ‘fine.’ Every test came back ‘normal.’ But I knew this wasn’t normal.
After hitting dead end after dead end, I realized I needed a different approach. I vividly remember standing in my kitchen venting to my husband, cracking jokes about this mysterious thing called ‘gluten’ I had been researching. Desperate for answers, I decided to cut it out of my diet. Within two weeks, I felt like a new person. But while gluten was part of the problem, my fatigue still fluctuated, and I knew there was more to uncover.
That’s what led me down the path of Functional Nutritional Therapy. I went back to school, dove into functional testing, and finally put the pieces together. Instead of seeing my symptoms as random, disconnected problems, I saw how everything in the body was connected. That shift changed my life. I got my energy back, and for the first time in years, I could fully live again.
After years of searching for answers on my own, I knew I had to help other women avoid the exhausting trial-and-error process I went through. That’s why I work one-on-one with clients and offer group coaching support—so women don’t have to figure this out alone. Through my Fatigue to Flourish program, I help burnt-out moms in their 30s and 40s regain their energy, feel like themselves again, and start living instead of just surviving. My purpose found me through my own struggle, and now, I get to turn that struggle into a solution for other women.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I help burnt-out moms in their 30s and 40s regain their energy and mental clarity through 1:1 coaching, group support, and functional lab testing—so they can finally get real answers instead of guessing.
What makes my work special is watching women go from barely making it through the day to thriving again. Using root-cause testing, personalized nutrition, and nervous system support, I help them break free from exhaustion for good.
Through 1:1 coaching and my group program, Fatigue to Flourish, I guide women through a proven process to restore their energy, balance their health, and feel like themselves again. My Fatigue to Flourish group launches every 3 months! I also offer a free Reclaim Your Energy guide, available on my website or lined in my bio on Instagram!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three key things had the biggest impact on my journey: resilience, a deep understanding of functional nutrition and lab testing, and a holistic approach to healing.
Resilience and trusting my gut were crucial. When I was at my lowest, doctor after doctor told me I was ‘fine,’ even though I knew something was wrong. I refused to accept that answer and kept searching. That persistence led me to real solutions. If something feels off in your health or your journey, keep pushing. Be your own advocate and don’t settle for ‘everything looks normal’ when you know it’s not.
The second game-changer was learning how the body actually works, not just managing symptoms. Functional lab testing gave me the why behind my fatigue instead of leaving me guessing or chasing quick fixes. That deeper understanding of functional nutrition allowed me to take control of my health and finally see lasting change. If you’re just starting out, invest in learning about the root causes of health issues—whether through formal education, working with a mentor, or simply staying curious and open-minded. The right knowledge saves years of frustration.
Finally, I had to shift my mindset and take a holistic approach to healing. I realized true healing isn’t just about food, supplements, or exercise—it’s about balancing the nervous system, managing stress, prioritizing sleep, and supporting the body as a whole. ‘Pushing harder’ wasn’t the answer, and neither was looking for quick fixes. Sustainable health comes from addressing everything—what you eat, how you think, how you rest, and how you care for your body long-term.
For those just starting their journey, whether in health or business, my best advice is to stay persistent, stay curious, and surround yourself with the right support.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I first take a step back and try to ground myself. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos, but the first thing I do is check in with my body. Am I feeling tense? Is my mind racing? I take a few deep breaths to slow everything down, clear my mind, and reconnect to the present moment. Sometimes, I’ll step outside for a quick walk in nature—just a few minutes of fresh air and sunlight can do wonders.
Then, I take a look at what’s on my plate. When everything feels like too much, I break things down into smaller, manageable tasks. Prioritization is key. What needs to be done today? What can wait? I focus on the next step, not the whole mountain. That helps me feel less paralyzed by everything that needs to be done.
In terms of advice, I always remind myself and others that rest is not a luxury—it’s necessary. When we’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to push harder and try to power through, but that’s often when burnout sets in. Taking breaks, stepping back, and giving yourself permission to pause is actually a powerful way to move forward.
And lastly, getting support is huge. Whether it’s asking for help from my family, talking to a coach, or venting to a friend, I’ve learned that I don’t have to carry the weight of everything on my own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mindfully-nourished.com/
- Instagram: @colleen_mindfullynourished
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindfullyNourish/
Image Credits
Amanda Zabrocki Photograph
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