The genesis of change, positive or negative, begins with awareness. For the most part, knowledge is the primary basis for becoming aware of a situation or circumstance that you want to change. Over the years thousands of people have walked into my clinic with the desire to lose weight. Sometimes they want to lose weight and look good because they are pulled toward a special occasion or event like a wedding or reunion. At other times, they are pushed into doing something about their weight by their doctor. In either case, like a lost ship at sea, navigating its way to its destination, it is only until the captain becomes aware that it is off -course that change (correction) can then take place.

Consider this: it is very common that when people experience a health scare (such as breast cancer) about themselves or a loved one, it is then they begin volunteering and doing whatever is within their power to contribute to the cause. Because of and through your own personal experiences, you gain awareness and then begin doing what you can to bring about change.

To Do List

Today I want you to raise your awareness by becoming very conscious of everything you hear, see and experience as it relates to both yourself and others. Without judging others, observe how other people eat, listen closely to their words and what they say, and heighten your awareness of the behaviors of those who are overweight, as well as those who are not. Keep detailed notes of your observations in your journal.

Call someone close to you who has known you for a while (e.g., family member, close friend, co-worker) and ask for their help. It’s simple – you have five questions and you need them to be open and honest with you. If they ask what this is for, be honest and share with them you would like to keep the conversation private. Then, share that you are doing homework for a project and after a few weeks you will be able to share more.

Ask the following questions in this order and remind your friend that you are not going to get upset and their honesty will sincerely help you bring about the most success with this project.

Question 1: I am in the process of losing weight. Did you realize I could lose a few pounds?

Question 2: How long do you think I have wanted to lose weight?

Question 3: In your opinion, what would you say is the reason or reasons I’m overweight?

Question 4: What do you think is going to be my biggest challenge in losing weight and keeping it off?

Question 5: When it comes to nutrition, exercise and mindset when losing weight, which do you think is my biggest strength and why?

In my follow up blog I will share with you how to use this informational interview to help you move forward and keep on the fast track to living diet free.

In Health,

Robert Ferguson, M.S., C.N.