Lauren Lee: Strength and Beauty

Lauren and I at FMI 2009

I first met Lauren Lee back in 2009 when we were both signed up for FMI (Fitness Model International). Lauren and I had been corresponding prior to going to FMI getting to know each other before the eventful week and looking forward to being roommates. What I noticed about Lauren right away, even in her emails was how genuine and down to earth she was. Lauren has a way of speaking from the heart and telling it like it is. She's never afraid to speak her mind and is very upfront with people, which is something I admire.

Lauren and I quickly hit it off. I think she and I were able to relate to each other and confide in each other about things we had gone through and it was easy to see how good of a friend Lauren is. I remember how much I admired her confidence and willingness to give FMI her all by taking and learning as much as she could during the conference at FMI and jumping in front of the camera for the first time.

3 weeks ago, Lauren posted a blog on her Facebook page saying she had cancer at 28. Her story has inspired me and many others. Please click on the link below to read her story. Lauren has a beautiful message that needs to be heard. Her beauty and strength shine through.

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. it comes from an indomitable will." - Gandhi

Lauren Lee 2010 Photo by Mike Byerly

http://iamlaurenlee.blogspot.com/2011/04/i-am-28and-i-have-cancer.html

Female Empowerment

A friend of mine and I were talking about role models and people we looked up to. We talked about school and history in particular. We talked about the different time eras that we learned about and what our favorite part of history was. Personally, I was never a big fan of history class, but what I did love learning about were people that had a voice. People that stood up for their rights or chose to make a statement such as Ghandi.

I told my friend that learning about Black History month was one of my favorite eras to learn about because "people of color" created a voice for themselves. There were several people during that time that made history by using their voice and the woman that always caught my attention the most was Rosa Parks.

She stood up for her rights and sat at the front of the bus. Not only did she make a statement for "people of color" at that time, but she also created opportunities for women. She showed the world that not only should everyone be treated equal, but that women are meant to be treated the same as men. She didn't take no for an answer. She changed history and made her mark without even realizing how much of an impact she made right then.

Where are these role models today? Who do younger generations have to look up to? It seems like finding positive role models is becoming harder and harder to find. Instead of hearing positive feedback in the media or what celebrities are helping create a voice and supporting charities, we hear constant negative headlines about which celebrity is in court this week. It seems like positive influences get overshadowed by the negative.

I will honestly say that I admire those in the media who have a voice and take the time to help others. I admire those who stand up for something they believe in and support a cause. I will say that a positive role model that I've come to admire is Selena Gomez. I truly think she is using her voice in a positive light and I look up to her as well.

My point to this blog is we need more positive influences. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to be a woman and live in the 21st century. I'm grateful to Rosa Parks for making an impact and changing history. Female empowerment is amazing.

Who Needs a Diet? Just Eat Clean!

We all want to “fit” better into our clothes. We make a goal to lose weight or tone up and the only thought in your mind is “I have to go on a diet.” The answer? FALSE! You just need to eat clean.

What is eating clean? Cutting out starches and sugar. Replacing that burger with fresh veggies, fruit and lean protein such as chicken and fish. Replacing that much needed energy drink for water or a healthy substitute like Vitamin Water Zero (this is one of my all time favorite products).

Your next thought, “I don’t have time.” Sure you do! Like everyone, I’m always on the go. Trying to get to work before rush hour traffic and too tired to try to create a big dinner when I get home from work. Here’s my personal solution that has served me well.

If you’re in a pinch and you don’t have a ton of time throughout the week head to the deli at your local grocery store. I pick up a fresh roasted chicken and when I get home I take all of the skin off and just put the meat in a container. It’s already to go and I can use it multiple times throughout the week for a quick chicken salad or use it as a main dish with some fresh veggies. This cuts a lot of my meal prep in half.

You can still have your must needed sweet tooth fix, but just make it a one day a week habit and remember as I’ve said before, everything in moderation. If you stick to eating clean you will definitely notice a change in how you look and feel in a few short weeks. Happy eating :)

Sarah Laursen

One Step At a Time

For the last several months, I've felt as though I've had complete writers block. The reality is, I was making excuses for things that haven't gone very smoothly for a VERY LONG time. Just like everyone, I've been dealt some very painful experiences the last couple of years and have used these experiences to keep myself from fully focusing on myself, my goals, and my own life expectations.

I've felt that working out on a daily basis for the last 2 years has been the one thing I have had complete and utter control over. I gave myself the opportunity to change myself physically, not just for my own health, but because more importantly I wanted to. Making changes in my appearance over time has kept me sane. Knowing I have control to keep my outer being in check has given me a sense of accomplishment.

The truth is, I've felt like this has been my only sense of accomplishment in the last several years. What I have to keep reminding myself is we're all given difficult times in life to appreciate the good that follows later on. I have to continue to look at the small things in life to keep myself going and motivated.

Look to each day as one new step. Another opportunity to put one foot in front of the other. It's important to look ahead and know that life is about taking one step at a time....

Success Tips: Nutrition for Your Eyes

Staying healthy goes beyond having a steady workout regimen, the kitchen is an important step to maintaining a healthy body. When you're cooking and preparing a meal, do you ever think about the nutritional value you're not only giving your body, but to your eyes as well?

How many of you think about getting routine eye exams at least every two years? I'm guessing not many. Working for an eye doctor as my regular day job, I'm learning more about eyes that I've ever wanted to know or thought I would know. One of my friends posted a blog today about foods that are healthy for your eyes and I thought the information was interesting and I did a little research and digging myself. Here are some healthy foods to help keep your eyes healthy:

1. Spinach - it's filled with carotenoids (red, yellow, and orange fat soluble pigments found in many plants that are powerful antioxidants and related to Vitamin A) which help boost your vision, who knew!

2. Fish - By eating just 1 serving a week, helps reduce the inflammation of blood vessels in your eyes.

3. Eggs - Yolk contains lutein that is also a carotenoid.

4. Sardines (Yuck!...it's because they have 3 different types of omega fats).

5. Nuts - By eating 1 to 2 servings of nuts per week this helps reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is the leading cause of blindness by people over the age of 60 by up to 35%.

Pretty cool right? So now after reading these tips how many of your are going to step up your game and eat these foods a little more often to keep your eyes healthy?

"The eyes are the mirror to the soul." – Unknown

www.twitter.com/s_laursen

Facts provided by www.womensday.com

Success Tips: Everyday Exercise

I've been asked in the past how I make time to hit the gym six days a week. My answer is that I put exercise into my everyday routine, I make it a part of my schedule. However, I realize not everyone has all the time in the world to hit the gym. So, how you can you incorporate exercise into your schedule?

Here's some quick tips:

If you take the bus to work or school, why not ride your bike if it's not extremely far from your home.

Walk to the grocery store. If you know you don't have a ton of groceries to pick up you'll get in a great cardio workout. Not to mention when you leave the store you'll have a little extra weight to carry.

If you live in an apartment complex (such as myself), take the stairs vs. the elevator. The same goes for work.

Even if you're in the middle of cooking dinner grab some soup cans and do some weight lifting. It may sound silly at first, but trust me all of these things can help get you to a healthier you.

Heck, I've even used my cat for extra weight to do some weight lifting. Yes my cat looked at me like I was nuts and didn't understand what I was doing, but she didn't mind it after awhile.

Look for alternative methods and everyday objects to get into shape and remember to eat in moderation, I guarantee your body will thank you.

Make No Apologies

The last couple of weeks I've been slacking and not being very productive, especially in the gym. I dealt with the loss of my grandmother last week and took some time for myself. I shut everyone out which may not be the healthiest of ways to handle my loss, but sometimes it's important to let yourself regroup on your own terms.

My grandmother was a big part of my life from day one. She taught me a lot about being strong and independent. She watched me graduate from high school. She sat with me when I was sick or recovering from surgery. She took part in some of my physical therapy lessons. She always kept encouraging me, telling me I could pull through any difficult situation I was given and that I was a "tough cookie."

My grandmother was born in 1911 and went through many historical events that my generation and younger only have heard about in text books. She was supporting two children on her own during The Great Depression, she watched WWI and WWII unfold and remembered when JFK was shot, just to name a few. She didn't complain about anything she had to do to get by in this world. She worked hard and found enjoyment by working with horses and bowling. She made no apologies for who she was or how she lived her life. People loved her for her.

She taught me many, many life lessons throughout my growing up. So make no apologies for being you. Have your beliefs, live your life the way you want and don't listen when people tell you you can't do something.

I'll carry the memories in my heart and continue to remember life lessons that she taught me when situations come up during my life. I'll never forget the time 3 years ago when she told me I drove like an old lady driving her to my parents house for dinner and was actually going the speed limit. :)

Forever and always in my heart....

www.twitter.com/s_laursen