Nurse finds cure to balancing weight loss and motherhood

Raising five-year-old twins *and* a three-year-old makes for a pretty fast-paced lifestyle -- which is probably why Launa Cornell never noticed the extra weight she'd slowly gained since starting her family.

That all changed in July 2005 when Launa took a breather, looked in the mirror, and realized she'd become what she calls a "chubby mom" at 183 pounds. That same afternoon she saw a TV ad for the local L A Weight Loss center in Encinitas, Calif., touting the center's free child care services. She grabbed her kids the next morning and headed to check out the program.

Despite her hectic routine, Launa was no stranger to diet programs. But for her, they were short-term solutions to a long-term issue. When she gained the weight back, she simply gave up.

So Launa was surprised when Diane, her L A Weight Loss personal counselor, worked with her to develop a plan to help Launa lose the weight while still taking her little ones on weekly trips to McDonald's. Diane even called Launa when she skipped appointments to make sure everything was OK.

It was this personal attention that helped Launa find the motivation -- and time! -- to drop 52 pounds. The kids played in the center's toy boxes and watched videos, while Launa and Diane worked to adjust Launa's goals and eating habits.

And now Launa is the one on TV hoping to encourage other busy moms to put their health first. She recently appeared in several local L A Weight Weight Loss commercials showing off her new 131-pound figure!

Here is Launa at 183 pounds:



And, here she is in her sassy scrubs at 131 pounds!



Way to go, Launa!

FAST FACTS

Name: Launa Cornell
Hometown: San Marcos, Calif.
Age: 35
Height: 5’4"

Starting weight: 183 pounds
Goal weight: 139 pounds
Current weight: 131 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Sushi.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Not becoming the "chubby mom."

Biggest obstacle: Making the right choices when eating out with her kids.

Old eating philosophy: Kid-friendly meals like fast food and pizza.

New eating philosophy: She carries her L A Weight Loss "Dining Out Guide" wherever she goes so she knows exactly what she's eating.

Best thing about losing weight: Shopping! Sometimes she forgets she's a smaller size, and has to be reminded to buy size 6 instead of an 8 or 10.

Best weight loss secret learned: It's important for kids, especially daughters, to see their moms are confident and comfortable with their bodies.