Back to Supercharge Page

Understanding the Starvation Response for Type 1

As a Type 1 (The Reformer), you likely experience the starvation response as frustration, self-judgment, or a sense of failure. Your inner critic may tell you that you “should” be able to handle hunger better, that your food plan must be perfect, or that if you are struggling, you are somehow not disciplined enough. This black-and-white thinking can lead to rigid control, guilt, or even rebellion if you perceive yourself as not following the plan perfectly.

The Virtue: Serenity

The virtue of Type 1 is Serenity—the ability to accept things as they are, without excessive striving or judgment. Cultivating serenity allows you to ease up on the inner critic, reduce rigidity, and approach hunger with trust, balance, and grace instead of pressure and control.

How to Apply Serenity to the Starvation Response

1. Shift from Control to Acceptance

   • Instead of trying to “conquer” hunger or perfect your response to it, accept it as a natural body signal.
   • Say to yourself:
     “Hunger is not a problem to solve; it is an experience to observe.”
   • Remind yourself that perfection is not the goal—balance is.

2. Soothe the Inner Critic with Compassion

   • When hunger triggers thoughts like “I should be able to handle this better” or “I should have eaten differently earlier”, pause.
   • Instead of judging yourself, practice kind self-talk:
     “I am doing my best. My body is adjusting, and that’s okay.”
     “I don’t need to be perfect—I need to be present.”

3. Reframe Hunger as Neutral, Not a Moral Failing

   • You may subconsciously associate food, hunger, and eating with rules, discipline, or moral correctness.
   • Shift the perspective: Hunger is not a sign of failure or weakness; it is simply a biological process.
   • Repeat: “My body is not my enemy. It is adapting, and I can meet it with grace.”

4. Release Rigidity and Find Flow

   • If you feel yourself wanting to over-control your food or experience anxious rigidity in your routine, breathe into serenity.
   • Instead of feeling you must follow an exact eating structure perfectly, remind yourself:
     “Serenity means flexibility. I can trust myself and my plan without fear.”

5. Let Go of the “Shoulds” and Trust the Process

   • The perfectionistic mind might tell you:
     • “I should be able to handle hunger without discomfort.”
     • “I should never feel weak or tired.”
   • Instead, embrace peace with what is:
     • “I am human, not a machine.”
     • “Hunger is just a sensation. I can let it come and go without stress.”

6. Turn to Your Higher Power

   • Instead of relying solely on self-discipline, lean into spiritual surrender.
   • Offer your discomfort to God, saying:
     “I don’t have to carry this alone. I release control and trust that I am supported.”

Summary

By practicing serenity, you can soften self-judgment, release rigidity, and trust your body’s process without moralizing hunger. Instead of trying to fix, control, or perfect your response to hunger, serenity allows you to meet it with peace, acceptance, and faith.