the period lab.

Miranda Popen

My Credentials:

Hormone Nutritionist

NYU Steinhardt RDN 2014 

Certified Nutrition Coach through the Institute for Integrative Health (IIN) 2015

Thyroid health with Full Potential Living, M.Ed.,CH,HC 2016 

Women’s Health Conference, 2017

Currently enrolled in The Institute Of Holistic Nutrition in Canada and Integrative Women’s Health Institute founded by Dr. Jessica Drummond

Numerous additional training programs in women’s hormonal health, menstrual cycle and reproductive health, and nutrition.

I grew up in the world of sports, and as a female athlete, I often felt the pressure to compare my talent to my physical appearance. There was a belief that success in figure skating required maintaining a slender frame, and any weight gain was seen as a failure. I struggled with body image issues and engaged in extreme measures to try to achieve the "perfect" figure.

Overhearing conversations among coaches and being on weight contracts for my job as a professional figure skater fueled my desire for a thin, boyish physique that seemed to be the norm among other female skaters. I would spend countless hours performing abdominal exercises from a young age, hoping to fit into any skating dress and not worry about my body when competing against others. I despised having to wear multiple layers of tights to conceal any imperfections.

My family had a strong focus on food, and I found myself trying to please my dad, who had a history of health issues. Riding the diet roller coaster was a constant in my life, with the goal of achieving that elusive "perfect body." I faced constant pressure to drop pounds, and when I reached 130lbs as a professional skater, my job was at risk. This stress led me to overexercise and restrict my food intake, resulting in a damaging cycle of bingeing and restricting.

My journey towards better health took a significant turn when my father, who had type 1 diabetes, had a heart attack, and my mother developed type 2 diabetes and other health issues. I was determined to find a way to improve my own well-being and help my parents. This led me to explore various sources of information, and I eventually decided to return to school to become a nutritionist. However, I discovered that health was about more than just nutrition; it encompassed stress, lifestyle, finances, relationships, and physical exercise. I soon realized that digestion played a critical role in overall well-being, affecting mood, immune function, hormonal balance, and energy levels.

I began experimenting with dietary changes, starting with eliminating dairy, which improved my IBS symptoms and overall attitude. Eliminating gluten further enhanced my well-being, leading to a significant improvement in my overall health and happiness. My debilitating symptoms, including dizziness, IBS, acne, and ulcers, vanished, and my metabolism became more active, resulting in gradual weight loss. I continued to prioritize my diet and self-care to maintain balance, waking up each morning with a sense of energy and purpose.

In 2014, I decided to leave professional figure skating behind and became a certified health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Since then, I have had the privilege of guiding numerous clients from around the world through transformative experiences, using food as a catalyst for change.

Today, I am grateful to be living a thriving life, and it all started with understanding how to eat and live to feel my best. This journey isn't about perfection or never indulging; it's about establishing a strong foundation and making positive choices most of the time while enjoying life to the fullest, even if it means treating yourself to a double ice cream cone after a challenging day.

I practice a holistic approach to health and wellness, focusing on all aspects of balanced well-being. I help clients listen to their bodies and discover what works best for them, helping them manifest their vision, goals, and plans with personalized guidance. I provide ongoing support and tools to create a healthy lifestyle so that everyone can feel their best.

My approach doesn't dwell on counting calories, carbs, fats, or proteins or creating lists of good and bad foods. Instead, I work with clients to create a happy, healthy life that is flexible, enjoyable, and rewarding.

Yes, this is a business, and yes, we offer products and services. We are proud and grateful to earn a living by helping others. I am not infallible and, like everyone, have my share of challenges and doubts. However, my commitment is to share what I have learned and continue to learn, providing authentic and honest guidance.

So, please don't expect polished perfection; expect thought-provoking ideas, timeless wisdom, some lighthearted moments, and an unwavering dedication to helping you live your healthiest, happiest, and most meaningful life.

If you've read this far, thank you for your time. I hope this is just the beginning of our relationship. I would love the opportunity to connect, whether in person or through the internet, to support you on your journey.