By Stephen Hemelt
L’Observateur

LUTCHER — It’s easier with the help of a coach.

Losing weight in a healthy and monitored way is the goal of St. James Parish Hospital’s Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program.

Participants, once signed up, have a coach who guides dieters throughout the process with weight-loss goals, focus on weight stabilization and a post-diet living plan.

St. James Parish Hospital Dietary Director Malinda Rein said the weight-loss method is medically designed to lose weight while sparing muscle mass.

“This method consists of four phases: weight loss in the first two phases, transition in the third phase and maintenance in the fourth phase,” she said.

Dieters learn how body fat is burned, the relationship between insulin and weight gain, which foods are best suited for healthy weight management and when, why and in what combination to eat carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

The program was launched for River Region residents at St. James Parish Hospital a year ago in October. It was met with such success that an Ideal Protein Summer Slim Down special ran from July 7 to 31 that allowed participants to pay a set price for four weeks’ worth of food and supplies in order to try the diet and shed pounds for summer.

Hospital officials said 100 percent of the people who completed the Slim Down Challenge decided to continue with the program.

“St. James Parish Hospital does plan to offer a similar package to kick-off the holiday season (in 2014) and help the community begin a healthy plan before a time when most people pack on the pounds,” Rein said.

“One of the main responsibilities of the coach is to prepare the dieter for their journey. Our coaches strive personally to help dieters achieve success. The coach’s responsibility is to hold the dieters accountable, to give them support and education, as well as to provide them with the tools vital to success in phase four.”

A major part of the program is the use of Ideal Protein products, which hospital officials said are lab-created and offer a variety of flavors for every taste.

“Several products are gluten-free, and new products are constantly being developed and introduced,” hospital Marketing Director Kassie St. Pierre said.

Rein said Ideal Protein offers a large variety of choices for breakfast to dinner and has products from shakes to chips.

“Our clients are always impressed with the selection and taste of our products,” she said. “The Summer Slim Down was a huge success. Clients loved the idea of a pay one-price, no-obligation trial, and most made the decision to continue their journey. If the preparation is done well, there should be very few surprises. Being an Ideal Protein coach is a privilege and a great opportunity.”

For more information, call 225-869-5512.