LUTCHER — St. James Parish Hospital is excited to welcome Emma Waguespack, Ideal Protein Coach, to its growing family. Waguespack, a native of St. James Parish, brings a decorated background in nutrition to the community clinic.

Waguespack graduated from Lutcher High School in 2010. She began her collegiate career pursuing a nursing degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. Her interest in health and nutrition eventually led her on a different path and she went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in family and consumer science with a concentration in nutrition.

While in college, Waguespack sharpened her skills by gaining practical experience in the food and nutrition field. She worked at a community produce market and interned for the LSU AgCenter, where she partnered to lead weekly nutrition lessons at a local elementary school.

“I was born and raised in St. James Parish, so this community is very close to my heart,” Waguespack said. “I am excited to take on my new role as the Ideal Protein Coach at St. James Parish Hospital, because it gives me a chance to interact with the community and help people work on being a better, healthier version of themselves. Getting to see people become more confident is something I truly enjoy.”

Ideal Protein is a medically designed, weight-loss protocol that helps clients lose weight and keep it off through a four-phase plan.

Each dieter has the help and support of a local coach, such as Waguespack, that helps throughout the process set weight loss goals, focus on weight stabilization and plan post diet living.

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.

Ideal Protein products are created in high-quality labs and offer a variety of flavors for every taste.

Several products are gluten-free, and new products are constantly being developed and introduced.

The St. James Parish Ideal Protein Clinic is located in hospital’s annex building (the former Poche Medical Clinic) on Louisiana Avenue.

To learn more, call 225-258-2014.