Samudra Weight Loss Health & Wellness invites the community to attend its first-year celebration at a Saturday open house.

Festivities will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at its Sixth Street location between The Atlas Cafe and Tulio鈥檚.

Samudra has been growing steadily since opening last February. Kristin Bjarnason's weight loss studio uses the Ideal Protein Method. Developed in France 25 years ago, the method has gained international attention for its combination of long-term health benefits and successful weight-loss rates.

Clients lost more than 2,000 pounds last year.

鈥淢y weight has come off with what has seemed like very little effort," says Diana. "After two months on the program I lost 25 pounds. But what's more important is the way I feel. I feel great and I love the caring, supportive environment and the weekly coaching.鈥�

Dyan Spink is a 30-pounds loser-winner. She loves the diet for its 'ease' and the fact that the food is made in Canada.

In celebration of Samudra's growing success the Saturday event will offer information about the diet, guiltless gourmet food samples and door prizes.

鈥淲hat stands out for me are two things: the positive changes in my clients' health and the fact that the Ideal Protein method has a beginning and an end," said Bjarnason, a registered nurse, community health practitioner and yoga teacher by training. "There are two phases of weight loss and two phases of maintenance. We coach our clients through weight loss and then help them learn how to keep it off."

Information sessions are offered Wednesdays at noon.

For more information contact Bjarnason at 250-871-7006, 250 334-7008, kbjarn@shaw.ca. or visit www.idealprotein.com.