Meet drA - a chef and scientist on a mission

His goal?

To help chefs and hospitality professionals like you: 

  • manage stress, 

  • avoid burnout, and 

  • achieve more balanced, fulfilling lives—both in and out of the kitchen. 

Continue reading to learn why.

It all began with a life-changing promise…

Werner's path to integrative health began with a personal tragedy that forever altered the course of his life. 

The shocking diagnosis came in 1993: his father had esophageal cancer.

Werner, living in the US and separated by the Atlantic Ocean, struggled to find ways to help his family while his father underwent treatment in Austria.

Finally, after a six-year battle, his father passed away on March 8, 1999. 

Standing at his father's grave, Werner made a promise: his father's suffering would not be in vain. 

Though he was a chef at the time, feeling the frustration of navigating the uncharted waters of integrative cancer modalities, a seed was planted for Werner's quest to continue his education. 

That seed and this promise fueled a new chapter in his life, and he embarked on his new journey: 

understanding what scientific research had to say about how holistic approaches to disease, health, and wellness could improve people's lives and decrease suffering.

From Chef to Scientist: An Unexpected Journey

While his professional career began in the fast-paced kitchens of the culinary world, determined to honor his father's memory and driven by his passion for food and health, Werner returned to school. 

After a 10-year educational journey, his efforts earned him not only a Master's Degree in Human Nutrition and a PhD in Mind-Body Medicine but also practical knowledge in:

  • how to integrate wellness practices into daily life,

  • cutting-edge mind-body medicine techniques. 

Today, Werner applies this knowledge and experience to help chefs and hospitality workers struggling with the industry's pressures. 

Beyond traditional stress management techniques, he incorporates evidence-based practices focusing on mindfulness, nutrition, and optimum performance. 

A chef’s perspective and scientific training that helps chefs and hospitality workers thrive

By applying the same scientific principles he once sought to help his father, combined with his culinary experience, Werner is now able to provide resources explicitly designed for the culinary community. He helps chefs reduce burnout, manage stress, and achieve a state of zen in their kitchens, careers, and lives—despite the incredible demands of this career path. 

A Trusted Advocate for Culinary and Hospitality Professionals

As a sought-after speaker and thought leader in wellness for culinary and hospitality professionals, Werner has shared his work at prestigious conferences, including the:

  • American Society of Clinical Hypnosis,

  • the Center for Consciousness Studies at the University of Arizona, and

  • the Indian Society of Chefs

  • among others.

Werner’s presentations incorporate aspects of his personal story combined with his professional training and expertise both in the kitchen and the scientific side of human nutrition and mind-body medicine, to share insights into how the power of the mind can transform health and career.

Interested in booking a presentation or speech?

Contact Werner about your event now.

Put Werner’s Expertise to Work

Are you a:

  • a chef feeling overwhelmed by the grind,

  • a hospitality worker seeking balance,

  • an independent operator in restaurants, hospitality or tourism,

  • or a nationwide hospitality and food service operation looking for ways to support your team?

If that is you or something you’ve read resonates with you, Werner's approach can work for you, helping you to find the lasting well-being you’ve been searching for.

Are you ready to prioritize your well-being and
find zen in your kitchen and life?

If this is you and you’re ready to learn more, you can join Werner and his community of chefs and hospitality professionals on your journey to health, balance, and success.

At wernerabsenger.com you can find support through:

  • a free membership

  • paid monthly, annual, premium, or group memberships - coming soon

  • members-only workshops - coming soon

  • finding community with like-minded chefs - coming soon

Simply enter your e-mail address below to be the first to know when new opportunities become available.