All is Well with Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CDN. Hockey mom of three boys, founder of Real Nutrition and valued authority in nutrition and healthy living. Amy frequently contributes to the media as both a writer and resource, including Women's Health, Well & Good, Vogue, Cheddar and NBC. We sat down with Amy as we approach day 1287896 of Covid-19 to set up some mother’s day #goals.

How did you get started in nutrition and wellness?

It's a journey that started even before I committed to it! My Dad has been in the health food industry since I was born so nutrition and vitamins were part of my upbringing even before it was "cool". We even at one point owned a few health food stores where I spent many of my high school afternoons and summers working. I guess you can say it was in my blood. So I practiced it but I didn't commit to working in the field until later. I worked in corporate for 8 years before I decided to go back to school to get my Masters and Dietitic License. Now that was a journey and a half but one I'm glad I endured!

Our workout routines have shifted in the last month. What are your tips to keep moving - favorite online workouts?

My first tip is to move every day. It doesn't have to be a workout per say but you can remain active by walking, dancing, standing while WFH, taking conference calls on your feet, cooking and even cleaning. For me weight training has always been my "go to" and luckily my trainer still trains me through zoom calls 2 - 3 times per week (@thelivewellcompany). At home I have some kettle bells, bands, a few weights, a pilates ring and some sliders, we put all of it to good use. Other days I run outside when it's nice and I often use @aaptiv to keep me motivated. It's an app that acts as a trainer in your ear for everything from outdoor/indoor running to the stair climber. Pick your workout, your level and they play the music and tell you what to do. I ALWAYS push harder when I have someone telling me what to do. Finally once a week I'll try a streaming workout such as The Class or Isaac Boots but that really depends on timing. I'm an early morning girl. And don't disregard a nice long walk for fat burning and mind cleaning. I'll usually take an an hour to an hour and a half walk a few days a week while talking to my mom on the phone or listening to a pod cast. For me it's about consistency, it doesn't always have to be hard work but you do have to be consistent.

We are all losing our marbles at some point during the day – what is a unique way you are keeping your sanity in check and and how do you carve out “me time”?

To be honest, I don't have much me time right now like many of us. I have three kids I am homeschooling (twin 8 year old boys and an 11 year old boy) and feeding 3+ times a day, a cute dog, and a job. So I wake up early every day to walk my dog and then have about 15 minutes to just plan out the day. It's OK, it's temporary. I will say, my shower is sacred (even though two minutes in someone is usually yelling for me!).

You are the queen of food hacks – how do you satisfy those picky eaters in the house?

Luckily I don't have really picky eaters so eveyone can eat the same thing, sometimes just "modified". So I make one meal but something that can be tweaked easily to make everyone happy. Last night I made raviolli, one kid just didn't have sauce on theirs. I made myself cauliflower gnocchi (maybe I am the pickyone!). All my kids eat fruits and veggies and whole grains so our edits are small. I also keep things fairly simple. Cooking for a family of 5 daily means the fewer arguments the better. We have a rule, fish at least 1x/week (they know it so they don't fight it), if you prepare them, they show up. Also on a night where I am making something a bit "riskier" I'll usually serve it with a "safe" side that I know the kids will enjoy. This way they might not eat too much of one thing but they won't leave the table hungry and looking for sweets.

What are five things on your grocery list every week?

Cauliflower, broccoli, greens of some sort, lemons and dark chocolate!

With three boys – what are your Mother’s Day traditions?

LOL. With three boys we bring a lot of chaos. So I usually host at my apartment so I can cook (something I love to do when given the time, not in quarantine) and so my kids can do whatever they do and I don't have to apologize to anyone or have expectations that may not be met (like sitting for long periods of time at a restaurant). We usually celebrate with my mom and my sister, that makes me very happy.

Best gift ever received?

After I had my twins (fraternal) my husband bought me an eternity bracelet that is made up of three entwined rings made out of three different types of gold. He had each one engraved with one boys name. Three different colors for three different boys. I wear it all the time, it means so much. Also these days, my Higher Dose Sauna Blanket. My husband bought that for me last year b/c I love the sauna so much. I never used it but now I use it daily since I can't go to the sauna!!!!

I would feel a disservice if I didn’t ask about the 5-letter B word… BOOZE! What is your recommendation on keeping it delicious but skinny?

All for booze over here! Limit your wine (I have some on Friday or Saturday) and stick to liquor like vodka or tequila, fewer calories, fewer carbs. Only mix with club soda or flavored seltzer and any herbs and spices you might have on hand. Cheers!