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LUTCHER – Routine blood tests can be the first step to choosing a healthy diet and achieving weight loss resolutions, according to Kourtney Scott Wingate of St. James Parish Hospital.
As the food and nutrition services director and the in- and out-patient dietitian for the hospital, Wingate is passionate about assessing nutrition needs for healthier lifestyles. Wingate recently spoke to L’OBSERVATEUR and offered some tips for making healthy choices in 2020.
“The very first step someone should take is to seek the assistance of a physician because I want the patient or the person to be sure they are healthy prior to starting any type of diet regimen or lifestyle change,” Wingate said. “I would definitely recommend that they get blood work done. Then at that point, once they see where they are health-wise, then they can seek out the assistance of a registered dietitian.”
A basic chemical panel reveals blood sugar levels, kidney function and much more. Wingate said these levels allow doctors to know exactly what the focus of the diet should be, especially since fad diets quickly gaining popularity are not “one size fits all.”
“Keto and intermittent fasting are not one size fits all,” Wingate said. “Just to give an example, I wouldn’t tell a diabetic to fast intermittently because that would cause their blood sugar to drop. In some cases, these diets can cause more harm than good. Having that blood work on hand would be the telltale of how to tailor that diet to better help them.”
If a patient’s overall wellness check is in order, Wingate would recommend the plant-based Mediterranean diet that provides nutrition primarily though leafy greens, beans, fruits, fish, olive oil, nuts, whole grains and healthier fats.
“It’s the blanket diet that I would start off with if they don’t have any other health conditions or ailments that would prevent them from following that particular diet,” Wingate said.

One pound per week is a sufficient weight loss goal for the average person, according to Wingate. Extremely obese individuals can strive to lose at least three to five percent of their current body weight. Wingate said patients with a doctor’s order can have a one-on-one discussion with a dietitian in a private setting to discuss nutrition and weight loss goals.
Effective weight loss programs should also be accompanied by exercise. According to Wingate, it’s important to aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.
“It doesn’t have to be all at once,” she said. “It can be broken up into 10 or 15 minute increments, but they do want to get their heart rate up.”
Nutrition is vital as a healing tool and a preventative measure to keep patients away from becoming dependent on medications.
Wingate is a 2005 graduate of Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in family and consumer science with a concentration in dietetics. She is also a 2012 graduate of Walden University with a Masters of Public Health.
Wingate became a licensed dietitian/ nutritionist in 2006. In 2019, she earned a certification to offer nutrition therapy services, a highly specialized and effective dietary and lifestyle management program covered by most insurance companies for diabetics.
As part of the community outreach for St. James Parish Hospital, Wingate also hosts a diabetic support group at 2 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Participants do not have to be patients of the hospital.
Bonnie Louque has been participating in the diabetic support group for the past eight years, and she said it is a wonderful way for community members to take charge of their own health in 2020. Her only wish is that more people would take advantage of the free resources available to the public.
“It’s for diabetics and people who want to prevent diabetes,” Louque said. “Prevention is important. We talk a lot about eating right, taking care of yourself and trying to exercise as much as you can. Being such a small group, we support each other. We’ve gotten to know each other well.”
Doctors and physical therapists have talked at the support group meetings, and a local podiatrist has given free exams after discussing the dangers of open wounds on the feet. Discussions on medications, encouragement and occasional healthy cooking demonstrations make the meetings unique.
“Kourtney (Wingate) is wonderful about giving us a lot of medical seminars and information,” Louque said. “The group is always receptive because it’s a good learning experience. Even after all these years, I still feel that I come away learning, and that is wonderful.”
For more information about health and nutrition resources available at St. James Parish Hospital, visit sjph.org.