nutritionist san diego functional nutritionist

Meet the Founder

Meet Lauren.

Lauren Papanos, MS, RD, CSSD is a nationally recognized nutrition expert. She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Board Certified Sports Dietitian, Hormone Specialist, Podcast Host and Published Nutrition Researcher with over nine years of experience.

• Bachelor's Degree in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics with a minor in combined sciences 
• Master’s Degree in Nutrition Sciences; Integrative Nutrition
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist through the Commission on Dietetic Registration
• board Certified in sports dietetics and functional endocrinology
• Internationally Certified Practitioner in Micro-immunotherapy

Advanced Education specialization in:
  • functional endocrinology
  • women's hormones
  • integrative fertility
  • integrative sports nutrition
  • environmental toxins
  • advanced blood chemistry


previous professional appointments:
  • University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) (teams, sports medicine and Research)
  • Private Physician's Medical Associates concierge medicine
  • Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (Lecturer)
  • texas tech university football (nutrition director)
  • usa swimming (world championships dietitian)
  • institute of lifestyle, family and preventive medicine (dietetic internship)

MEDIA FEATURES

as featured in

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strength      hormones

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Weekly episodes to educate and empower you on the road to your hormone healthiest life.

IN

  •  Quick identification of the underlying causes of your health imbalances

  • Traditional science and alternative medicine formal education

  • Holistic view that encompasses mind-body wellness

  • Customization to your lifestyle needs

  • Unique expertise in: functional medicine, endocrinology and human performance 

  • Enhanced personal practitioner access, direct message and email

  • Gentle yet direct and concise approach

  • Limited patient enrollment


The Functional Fueling® Difference

01

We believe in treating the body as a whole, recognizing that every aspect of your health is interconnected. Our personalized program focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues, rather than just managing symptoms. By considering your unique bio-individuality, we create a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs.

Holistic Approach

02

Our team of experienced integrative/functional practitioners combine the principles of functional medicine with therapeutic nutrition. We analyze your health history, genetic factors, lifestyle, and environmental influences to create a comprehensive understanding of your health. This knowledge allows us to provide targeted guidance and support to optimize your well-being.

Integrative and Functional Medicine Expertise

03

We use advanced laboratory tests to identify your root causes and personalize your healing path. Testing allows us to identify the "why" behind your chronic symptoms or health condition so that you can start healing. We'll recommend and order your testing based on your unique health picture. We cover all aspects of this process for you. We'll combine the results of your tests with our thorough assessment to create a truly holistic and personalized healing plan for you.

Root Cause Testing

04

We firmly believe that food is medicine. Our personalized program emphasizes the power of nutrition to heal and nourish your body. We'll work closely with you to develop personalized nutrition and supplement plans that supports your healing, taking into account any individualized needs you have. We will ensure you have the resources fit to your lifestyle along the way.

Nourishment as Medicine

05

The right supplementation can expedite your healing and fill in gaps from dietary intake. After our assessment and lab testing, we'll design a customized medical grade supplement protocol to support your nutrition recommendations. This protocol will evolve as your body heals. Some recommendations will be for a few weeks and others for a few months. Supplements will only ever be used as needed and each person's needs will differ. By the time we're done working together, you will only be on a few for foundational long-term support.

Targeted Supplementation

06

Achieving optimal health extends beyond nutrition alone. Our personalized program addresses other key aspects of your lifestyle, such as sleep, stress, exercise, and environmental exposure. By optimizing these areas, we create a comprehensive framework that supports healing. We also teach you how to effortlessly integrate these practices and introduce new habits into your lifestyle without feeling like you're missing out on any fun. Our approach is designed to be just that - functional (which means adaptable and also sustainable).

Lifestyle Optimization

540

clients' health rejuvenated IN 2025

1,512

cups of SPARKLING WATER DRANK

2,160

lab tests analyzed

I’m a functional medicine registered dietitian, board certified in sports dietetics and functional endocrinology, and I’ve spent the last decade helping individuals with endocrine, thyroid, and autoimmune conditions finally understand their bodies and resolve their symptoms naturally.

Over the years, I’ve guided and supported thousands of individuals who felt dismissed, overwhelmed, or stuck in a cycle of confusing symptoms. And I’ve been in their shoes — before I became the practitioner, I was the patient navigating thyroid issues and hormonal dysfunction with no clear answers.

Because of that, I’ve built my practice around one core promise: clarity, compassion, and root-cause care.

And while I personally oversee the clinical framework behind every protocol we recommend, you won’t just have access to my knowledge— you’ll have access to a highly trained clinical team that I’ve mentored and developed extensively. Every clinician on my team is trained directly in my functional endocrinology, sports medicine and root-cause methodology, and we collaborate closely on every case to ensure you receive the same depth, insight, and individualized strategy that I’m known for.

We can’t wait to support you, guide you, and help you finally feel at home in your body again.

Hi there i'm lauren, Founder of Functional Fueling®

Lauren Papanos

MS, RD, CSSD

"My collaboration with Functional Fueling® over the years has proven very helpful in allowing me to provide the best care for my patients. Their knowledge of nutrition and ability to clearly communicate will help you in your journey to optimal health." 

Co-Founder of Private Physician's Medical Associates and voted Top OC Doctor for 10 years in a row

DR. JAMES M. WEISS, MD

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