Lessons From Las Vegas

I wish this blog were about hitting the jackpot in a Las Vegas casino — but there was no gambling on this trip!

Instead, the real surprise came in the form of an eye-opening experience that reinforced just how powerful a role ultra-processed foods play in our health, vitality, and well-being.

As a health and wellness coach dedicated to vibrant living, I’ve long understood the importance of minimizing ultra-processed foods — those packaged products loaded with chemicals, preservatives, artificial ingredients, and excess sugar, designed to keep us coming back for more. I knew the science and the “why.” But on a recent getaway with a girlfriend, I came to truly understand it — not just intellectually, but physically and viscerally.

My daily routine typically includes multiple servings of vegetables, high-quality protein, whole and natural foods — and yes, a small daily dose of dark chocolate. But during this short vacation, everything shifted. Not due to late nights or wild adventures, but because of the ultra-processed convenience foods we relied on for four days straight.

Without a kitchen or grocery store nearby, we were grateful to find a CVS within walking distance. That became our go-to meal source. Breakfast was a processed protein bar or shake with black coffee. Lunch was our main meal out — vegetables were scarce, so we usually settled for animal protein and avoided the deep-fried options. Dinner was in our room: cheese, crackers, beef sticks… and yes, wine. Not a vegetable in sight!

By day four, my body was not happy. My face broke out, my skin was dry and irritated, I slept poorly, and I was utterly exhausted. No amount of coffee helped. My body felt “off,” like it was begging me to return to my normal rhythm. It took nearly a week to fully re-calibrate and feel like myself again.

As I reflected on the experience, I realized the true jackpot wasn’t at the slots — it was the deeper connection I made between what we eat and how we feel. I didn’t just know it anymore. I lived it. And now, I feel even more equipped to help others make small shifts in their food choices so they, too, can feel more energized and alive.

This time, what happened in Vegas didn’t stay in Vegas — and I’m grateful for it.