Smoothie Contest And Q&A With Miss Utah

Who can make a smoothie faster? Miss Utah 2022 (Lindsey Larsen) or 7 Year old Ruvi Ambassador, Elle Tucker? Watch as they faceoff for the first ever Ruvi Smoothie Competition. Check out the video to see who wins! 

Watch the Full Video on our YouTube Channel

Get To Know Miss Utah 2022

Lindsey Larsen was crowned Miss Utah in the Spring of 2022. She is from Lehi, Utah, is an accomplished ballet dancer, and is a student at the University of Utah studying dance performance. She hopes to build a career as a professional ballerina, artistic director, or health educator.

We, along with so many others, have been following Lindsey's pageant journey for a few years now. Through this interview we got to take a deep dive into her life to learn more about what it's like to be Miss Utah, what she is up to during her reign, and how good nutrition plays a big roll in all that she does. 

Here is what she had to share:

Q: How did you get into doing pageants?

A: Growing up, I used to go to my recreation center and look at the wall of the forever Miss Lehi’s (the titleholder for my city) and wanted to be like them but never thought that I would be able to because I was so shy. When I was around fourteen, I found out that some of my friends in my dance class were competing in their local competitions in the Miss America Organization. They had opportunities to grow with public speaking and communication skills, serve their communities, and earn scholarship dollars. These ladies inspired me so much that when I was in junior high school, I decided to compete. I have grown immensely because of this organization!

Q: What was the experience like to compete to become Miss Utah?

A: It was so surreal! Capitol Theater is home to Ballet West so I was thrilled to be able to perform on the same stage that they do. What a lot of people don’t see is all of the behind the scenes that goes into competing in a state competition. The hours of service, public speaking, fundraising, talent practice, and advocating that goes into this is very time consuming. Getting to be surrounded by some of Utah’s most ambitious, talented, and well-spoken women is such an honor and I am grateful to be a part of the Miss Utah Organization.

 Photo courtesy of Miss Utah Organization 

Q: What does a day in the life of Miss Utah look like? What do you do day-to-day?

A: This job is so multifaceted and everyday looks a little different. Most days I am going to different service events, writing blog posts for Miss Utah’s website, creating content for social media, preparing for Miss America, going into schools to share important messages, giving speeches, sending emails, networking, and much more. This job definitely keeps me on my toes!

Q: What do you love most about being Miss Utah?

A: I love getting to meet people and hear their stories! I feel that we as a society have missed face to face communication due to the pandemic so getting to meet people of all different backgrounds from across our state excites me. 

Q: What is the “The MOVEMENT Movement” message that you share all about?

A: There was a study done by the Utah State Department of Health in 2021 that stated only 24% of students ages 6-17 participate in the CDC recommended 60 minutes of physical activity. This means that 80% of students are NOT getting active and moving their bodies. It has become my mission to change these statistics.

Photos Courtesy of Lindsey Larsen

Q: When you go into schools and do “Brain Breaks” with kids, what does that entail? 

A: I educate students on how physical activity and movement impacts us mentally, physically, and emotionally, then I help them find ways to get moving at home and after school. We also talk about how being active throughout the school day is an important part of helping us learn. I teach fun and interactive “Brain Breaks” that teachers can use throughout the day when their class needs a break. I also talk with kids about being self aware of their emotions and give them breathing exercises to use when they feel they need to change their focus.

Q: What kind of advice would you offer to young girls who look up to Miss Utah, and who someday want to be Miss Utah themselves?

A: If you can dream it, you can do it! If a shy girl can one day become Miss Utah, so can you! I truly believe that great things never come from comfort zones. I am grateful that I did something a little scary because it has helped me become the best version of myself. 

 Photo  courtesy of Lindsey Larsen 

Q: Why is good nutrition important to you?

A: As a dancer, nutrition plays such a big part in helping me feel and perform at my best. Whenever I fuel up with nutritious food, my mental and physical state is so much stronger than when I don’t. In dance, my body is my instrument. Fueling my body properly helps decrease the possibility of injuries and provides me with adequate energy - so it is absolutely crucial to make sure I’m getting good nutrition!

Q: What are some important things you do to keep yourself healthy? 

A: Daily movement and sleep mixed with good nutrition is so key. My mood changes immensely for the better when I get daily movement versus when I don't. I also value doing self care, and taking breaks in my day when I need to. 

Q: What is one thing you’d recommend that everyone can do every day to be healthier?

A: Move everyday! It releases the feel good chemicals like dopamine to make you feel happier. Movement builds strong muscles, and increases heart health. Movement can sometimes seem intimidating but it can be super simple like going for a walk, doing yoga, following a dance tutorial on YouTube, the possibilities are endless!

Q: How does incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet every day make a difference in your life? 

A: Making sure that I get fruits and veggies in my diet has been really difficult, especially with my busy schedule but I have learned that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, help prevent some types of cancer, lower risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar, which can help keep appetite in check. I notice a significant difference in all areas when I eat them. 

Q: How has Ruvi helped you?

A: I consume a lot of protein and carbohydrates but rarely fruits and veggies. Then I met Ruvi! It has been a game changer for me and my health. I genuinely feel so much better once I have a daily Ruvi smoothie. It amazes me how quick and easy it is to get 4 or more servings of essential fruits and veggies in three easy steps. It’s refreshing and delicious!

Q: What is one of your favorite things about Ruvi? Do you have a favorite flavor?

A: Ruvi tastes SO good! I crave it everyday. That's how yummy it is, y’all. I love each flavor but I think my favorite is Active which has specific fruits and veggies that charge up your heart for better performance, recovery, and overall cardiovascular health.

Q: At Ruvi, we believe people should live a life of color. How do you Live In Color?

A: I Live In Color by doing things and being surrounded by people that make me happy!

Follow Lindsey on instagram during her reign as Miss Utah to see all the amazing things she is up to, and to cheer her on as she goes on to compete for the crown of Miss America.