Modest weight loss can have huge health benefits

Carrying more pounds than were good for her, Mary Sennett of Windsor says, “I knew I needed to make a drastic change in my overall health, including weight loss. My nieces had started a new program offered at Guardian/Infinity Drug Stores called Ideal Protein. At first I was skeptical as we all know how fad diets come and go.”

However, the Windsor woman was impressed by “the amazing results” her nieces were achieving. After researching Ideal Protein online, “I decided to give it a go,” she says.

Sennett’s journey began September 2015 with a call to Pauline Burnett, the Ideal Protein coordinator and coach for Infinity Drug Stores, a group of locally owned, independently operated pharmacies in Windsor and Essex County.

“Pauline was extremely informative on our first meeting, explaining how the program works and how important eating the correct food combinations along with Ideal Protein food products was,” says Sennett. The coach also emphasized commitment to the program is vital for success.

“We met weekly to do measurements and weigh in. When there were weeks with no results, Pauline was quick to assure me not to be discouraged which kept me on track,” Sennett recalls. “By June of 2016 I had lost close to 60 pounds and 60 inches.” To date, “I’m happy to say I’ve been able to maintain my weight loss.”

“This program taught me the importance of protein and fibre to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I have tried so many weight loss programs and this one is by far the easiest to follow and maintain,” Sennett finds.

Ken Arndt, now age 49, says, “I’ve been overweight to varying degrees for as long as I can remember. I was tired all the time, no energy and wasn’t happy with how I looked or felt. Something needed to change.”

“My wife started Ideal Protein and eventually signed me up. It was the best thing I’ve done for myself in years.” His coach praises Arndt’s dedication, which was rewarded by the loss of 40 pounds in the first 12 weeks.

Another 10 pounds have been shed since. “I feel great!” Arndt says. “The program is easy to follow and I don’t feel deprived. I get my protein in and I’ve learned to really enjoy eating healthy. This is something I can stick with!”

Burnett observes, “This is not just quick weight loss – it’s also healthy weight loss. As clients go through their journey, we teach them how to eat properly so they won’t regain unwanted pounds.”

Although Ideal Protein has been available for over 20 years, it was brought to Windsor and Essex County just 18 months ago by Infinity Drug Stores. “In 2015, my pharmacist partners and I were introduced to the weight loss program. We became interested because it offers an opportunity for our patients and clients to not only see significant weight loss but sustainable weight loss through nutritional education,” says Vince Gauthier.

“When we rolled out the program in our pharmacies, our initial clients were our own employees and their families. Pauline worked with these individuals one on one and the results were overwhelmingly positive. Based on these original successes we were convinced that this was the right program to offer to our patients,” Gauthier says.

“In the last year, our six clinic locations have helped over 140 local people achieve their dreams,” Burnett notes. “I work with every age group including young adults in competitive sports looking to reduce body fat and increase muscle mass, to retirees seeking preventative measures to stay healthy and active.”

Clients are given a meal plan that features tasty, nutritious recipes created Cordon Bleu-trained Chef Daniel Verati. “You learn how to prepare and enjoy healthy food. Once you start eating well, you’ll feel happier,” Burnett says.

The medically developed diet program begins by depleting the body’s simple and complex carbohydrate reserves to melt fat. “We force your body to look for other sources of glucose for energy, so it turns to its protein and fat reserves,” Burnett explains. To spare the body’s muscle mass during fat burning, the client ingests protein isolates in Ideal Protein products produced in Canada. Unlike the protein in a steak, the body assimilates most of the isolates’ protein. Muscle mass needs protection as it is necessary to continue burning calories post-diet.

“This is a safe, healthy program,” Burnett says. “Everyone I have coached has lost weight,” Burnett says. “

Interested people simply call Pauline Burnett at 519903-0088 to arrange an appointment at any one of the Guardian/Infinity Drug Stores located in your neighbourhood. For more information go to infinitydrugstores.com