If you're new here — welcome! Our Break the Silence series spotlights groundbreaking women from the Kindra community who are redefining menopause and reclaiming their power in middle age.

It's a challenge to find healthy choices during the holiday season, but you're in luck this year! We had the chance to sit down with Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CEO/Founder of Real Nutrition to talk wellness, nutrition, and so much more. Read on for our exclusive Q&A.

Please introduce yourself in whatever way you see fit.

I'm Amy, a 45 year old woman and CEO/founder of Real Nutrition, a private practice nutrition company born in 2008. I'm a proud mom of three boys - a 13 year old and twin 10 year olds. We also have a dog named Hershey, yes after the chocolate bar, because I love chocolate (preferably dark chocolate of course!)! I'm a lifelong health nut thanks to my Dad who has always worked in the vitamin and supplement industry, so I grew up like this! I'm super active, I think best when moving, and never recommend anything I wouldn't practice myself. My happy place is out West in any mountain range, however, my family loves the beach. I've learned to be flexible, non-judgmental and to find the silver linings in all situations. I'm always ready to sit down and chat over coffee, tequila, or tea, and my favorite food might really just be brussel sprouts!

What is your age and menopause phase?

 45, pre-menopause.

If you could give one piece of advice to a younger you, what would it be?

Lean into your passion and don't do what is expected of you. Do what YOU want to do.

Imagine you’re writing your memoirs right now. What would the name of your current chapter be?

That Time I Realized I Truly Thrive in Chaos.

What is your morning routine?

Mornings are my favorite and my most productive time! I wake up anywhere between 5:45 -6:15 AM, at least an hour before anyone else in the house. This gives me time to plan the day ahead without interruption. I drink hot water with the juice of half a lemon and a few droppers of Dandelion Root (about 24 oz.), make my "to do" list and answer a few emails. 

Depending on my day I either take a shower and get dressed for work OR I put on workout clothes. I wake up my 3 kids (they ignore their alarms), make them breakfast and  run out the door to get them on the school bus. I'll then either go for a run outside with a guided app I use @aaptiv,meet with my trainer (2x/week) or go for an Infrared Sauna, my favorite way to detox. Then I have coffee either from Jack's Stir Brew or I make it at home. I take it strong and black sometimes a shake or two of Ceylon Cinnamon for blood sugar control.

I shower, get dressed for the day and will eat breakfast around 10am or so. I am more of a savory breakfast person so it's usually something that looks more like dinner (leftovers) or eggs and veggies. Then I pack my bag, kiss my pup (who my husband walks) and I'm out the door for meetings and clients or I work from my kitchen tables on days I don't go to the office.

What is one piece, person, or practice that relaxes you?

Walking outside anywhere, anytime, by myself, no music, just me.

What do you think is the biggest myth or misconception about menopause?

That it's all downhill from here. There is not enough information  shared about this phase in a woman's life. We hear about the weight gain, hot flashes and mood swings but we don't hear about the empowerment, successes and growth met and exceeded from this point in our lives on. We also don't hear enough about the positive experiences women have during menopause. Everyone's journey is different, let's get the full story!

Want more tips from Amy? Read Holiday Favorites Made Healthy, exclusively on Kindra's Journal. Plus, keep your eye out for something special in February 2022.

Want to learn more? Get tailored education and suggestions for your own personal menopause journey by taking Kindra's hormone assessment. 

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