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 eight 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

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

listen now

strength      hormones

listen to our top rated podcast

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 2023

1,512

cups of SPARKLING WATER DRANK

2,160

lab tests analyzed

Chief  Dietitian + Founder

I'm the chief dietitian and founder of FFN. I'm the mom of two crazy German Shorthair Pointer pups, soon to be boy mom and a wife to a smart, heart-centered man. Outside of hormones and functional nutrition I have a true passion for natural food stores, my Greek culture, architecture and pottery.

MEET THE TEAM

I'm one of the functional medicine registered dietitians at FFN. I'm committed to helping individuals from a whole-person perspective. When not listening to podcasts, I love spending time with my dog, Kira, playing soccer, hiking and trying new restaurants!

Credentials:
Licensed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Bachelor's Degree in Biology from UC Berkeley
Master's Degree in Nutrition & Longevity from USC
12 month apprenticeship under Lauren

 Dietitian

lauren papanos

romana brennan

"My collaboration with Lauren and Romana 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 Doctor for 10 years in a row

DR. JAMES M. WEISS, MD

our services

become a member

book a consult

advanced lab testing

functional medicine nutrition

herbal medicine

hormone smart exercise