Enneagram Type One

Type One

DIETnosis Enneagram Type One


MBTI Types: ENFJ, ISTJ… (J Types)

Food Type: The Holy Eater, Guilty Cheater

Exercise Type: The Crusader

DIET Strength: Conscientiousness

Power Skills (Level 1): Self-Monitoring, Uncensored Journaling, and Cognitive Restructuring
Action Skills (Level 2): Environmental Control, Stimulus Control, and Classic Conditioning
Maintenance Skills (Level 3): Pleasure Principle, Distraction, and Rewards
Trouble with Food (habit): Guilty Pleasures, Holy Foods
Emotional Eating Trigger: Perfectionism, Fear of Being Wrong or Bad
Trouble with Exercise: No Pain No Gain Attitude, Perfectionism, Lack of Variety
Trouble with Body Image: Sees body as wrong and containing urges to suppress. Has all or nothing thinking about the body.
Typical Fitness Excuse: “I am already doing everything right” or “I deserve to be overweight”



Popular Enneagram authors commonly name Type Ones the Perfectionist, Reformer, or Crusader because they are principled, self-controlled and improvement-oriented. They maintain high standards for themselves and others and compare reality to a set of standards.  They work hard at maintaining a lifestyle that is conscientious, orderly and sacrificing.  Type Ones are great at judging the world around them and working hard to make it right.

Type Ones value goodness, want to realize their potentials and help others actualize theirs.

Type Ones focus their attention on what is right or wrong.  They comparing reality to their inner standards of perfection.

Friends value them and seek them out for their powers of discernment and critical eye.

You might be a Type One if you feel compelled to fix things and are constantly focused on standards, quality, and ideals.  You might also find yourself frequently feeling angry and disappointed with others’ shoddy work.


Enneagram Type 1 Careers

Type Ones excel at organizing, executing and applying expertise.  They flourish in environments that have clear rules, opportunity of advancement, a pecking order, and consistency.  They have an eye for detail and seeing what needs to be fixed.  Archetypal jobs for Type One include Administrative Assistant, Manager, Attorney, Broker, or Accountant. Ones tend to serve certain roles for others including being a judge or social reformer,  the knower of rules, the whistleblower, the evangelist, the fiery advocate.

Negative Aspects and Weaknesses

Type One’s weaknesses and negative tendencies include becoming perfectionistic, obsessive, self-critical and causing a great deal of inner turmoil and unnecessary stress in their lives.  Their righteous attitude often makes Ones seem like they are all work and no play. Their efforts to reform their environment often met with resistance from others and Ones get into trouble with their peers by casting judgment or being too critical.  Although they are very are hardworking, they may have many half-started projects because they want them done “right.”


Style of Impulse Control

Type Ones as a group score more highly in “Conscientiousness” than any other Type.  Ones are dominated by their perfectionistic superegos and have a very strong ability of impulse control.  They feel strong physical tensions, distress and internal impulses that they must be constantly on-guard against.  The battles against these powerful urges leave Type Ones tormented, uptight and prone to self-recrimination.  They may have a “Jeckel and Hyde” style of eating, eating very healthy foods and binging at night.  The bright side for weight control is that Type Ones’ highly developed superegos mean that they have the skills of self-control necessary for weight loss, especially if they deal with their cravings and physical urges directly.

Style of Activity

Type Ones score low on “Openness to Experience” which translates into a style of activity that is methodical, steady and well thought-out or “by-the-book.” Ones are highly self-disciplined and self-initiating but may have a hard time accepting others advice or recommendations to exercise.  In this way they have a penchant for isolation that can be a roadblock to success.  Many times Ones may simply feel that if they can’t do it right, then they will not do it at all. In this way they lose much exercise time when they could agree to a 70% solution.

Leisure Style

In terms of leisure activities, Ones can sometimes group sports or “fun” exercises in the realm of frivolous activities.  This is truly a detriment because they benefit so much from fitness activities that are enjoyable and spontaneous. Some of One’s favored activities include nature walks with a close friend or pet, hiking, or upkeep activities such as household chores.  When One’s have a fitness goal in mind then they tend to be pragmatic, logical and rigid about performing the same exercise over and over and avoid distracting social interactions.

Ones tend to volunteer to better their community such as helping in their local school Parent Teacher Association (PTA), reading to children, or role modeling in scouting or Boys/Girls club activities.  Type Ones benefit from volunteering for activities that get them exercising such as coaching or walking tour guiding.



Enneagram Type 1 Fashion

Type Ones dress appropriately for an occasion and want to be seen as following the “correct” social norm. They don’t want to stand out as wrong or incorrect. They wear clothes that are classic or have a traditional style. Colorful, flashy patterns, florals or racy attire that draws attention make them very uncomfortable so they wear solids or toned down colors. They want to appear as mature, frugal, neatly groomed, churchgoing or prudish. They avoid racy styles and showing off. Their fashion statement is, “I am right and above blame or criticism.” Because of their fear of being wrong, Type Ones are very late to adopt a fashion trends and get stuck in a fashion “uniform.”

Tattoos and Accessories

If a One gets a tattoo it is usually of the understated, clean, small or hidden type. It may be a religious symbol or a motto by which to live. Their jewelry is understated, small and appropriate. They may avoid jewelry or altogether unless it is a religious symbol, “cause ribbon” or expected cultural/company accessory.

Enneagram Type 1 At Home

Ones tend to strive for a neat and orderly home and office space. Their decorations are practical and basic — tending to make prudent choices regarding furniture and accessories. They like to categorize things and to store them in labeled boxes or baskets. With their homes they communicate that they are not flashy or extravagant, but controlled and righteous. Their private space is likely to be about in the same order as their public spaces.  They may have unfinished projects stored in the closet like old pictures that need filing or things that need fixing in the garage, but for the most part everything is in its place.


Body Judgment

are harsh judges of their bodies and may closely monitor their weight or frequently make attempts to improve their weight. They have perfectionistic expectations about their bodies and compare themselves to unattainable ideals. They will also work to understate or hide their perceived deficiencies. They are afraid that their body image will represent themselves as wrong so they may avoid gyms or swimming pools that show their bodies.

Value and Self-Worth

Type Ones tend to see only their body’s imperfections or see them as morally wrong — full of urges to suppress. They feel that the flesh contains unholy and instinctive urges to require suppression such as hunger, anger, desire or sexual attraction.  If significantly unhealthy, the Ones unconscious mind may start ignoring their own faults or focusing on the faults of others.

They see themselves as above criticism and feel that their actions are righteous.  This relates to fitness in that Ones may feel like they are already doing everything correctly.  If they are unhealthy then they may feel that they are destined to be unfit.  This is because Ones often feel that they are well educated, rational and sensible about their approach to fitness and that if they are not getting results it is because of genetic predetermanism, or it is fate that they be this way.  They develop all or nothing thinking in that they will often stop a diet if they binge one day, or if they do not agree with a minor aspect of a diet plan then they reject the entire plan. If a Type One is overweight it may be related to binge eating after self deprivation, after a few alcoholic drinks  or eating foods they feel are “good” or “righteous.”

In regards to their self-esteem relative to relationships and attractiveness, Type Ones often see to their physical bodies to be secondary when compared to their righteous actions. In this way they may portray an underdeveloped, prudish or “hush-hush” sexuality. They tend to feel guilty about the pleasures of the flesh.

They know why they should loose and why it is the best thing to do, but the key is finding the inner reason that they should become healthier.


Type Ones under-express their body’s instincts and spend much energy suppressing these cravings and natural urges. They have strong beliefs about what is right and wrong and will place moral value on foods and their behaviors. They strive to meet self-imposed perfectionistic expectations as if they were being watched/judged.   This struggle causes much unconscious and internalized anger. When dieting they tend to be perfectionistic or have “all or nothing thinking.”

Enneagram Type 1 Favorite Foods

Ones tend to seek out righteous “pure,” “Holy Foods,” or “Halo Foods.” These foods carry no guilt for Ones and they tend to over eat them. It is key that Type Ones review their list of foods that they eat most often. They should evaluate why they are the foods that they eat so often and see if they hold some moral value to them. It is key that the foods that Ones feel are righteous are actually healthy. The other aspect of their personality “taste buds” is that they may feel that healthy food has to taste bad. They may choose to eat bland foods as self-punishment in an attempt to be healthy or good. Conversely, the online book You’re Fat Your Fault suggests that Type Ones use food as a wholesome reward for being good. It is important for Type Ones to look at the foods that hold these meanings in their lives and evaluate weather they are truly healthy.

Food Shopping Style

Ones are very rational shoppers. They go to stores that offer the healthiest foods at the best price. While shopping they worry that they might be judged for their choices in their cart.

Meal Setting, Preparation, and Presentation

When they are home they often have an eating ritual or proper setting that they like to eat. It may be that they prefer to eat at the diner table with the silverware in the appropriate position and napkin in their lap. It may be that their lunch box is a neat set of Tupperwear that is the same everyday.  They may criticize others for eating food that hasn’t been washed or prepared appropriately.

Food Decision Factors

When choosing what to eat, Type Ones look for health and morality.  This means that they may choose a food based on whether it is organically grown or locally produced. At times they may find themselves feeling like it is ok to overeat these “holy foods.” Similarly Ones may over shop at an organic or farmer’s market type store.


Eating Pattern

Type Ones tend to emotionally eat (to eat when they are not hungry), when they feel like they have been wrong or have been “bad.” They can then eat out of character experience a Jeckel and Hyde-like binge.  This highlights the Type Ones “all or nothing” dieting or saying to themselves that  “I had one bite of chocolate so now I have ruined my diet.”  Ones may have an unconscious drive to keep eating as a form of self-punishment. Their internal dialogue may say, “you are fat(bad), you don’t deserve to be thin.” Some Ones may foster their state of unhealthiness or to avoid sexuality or desirability if these are seen as morally incorrect. Ones can also be seen as the most Obsessive Compulsive Type of the Enneagram and this may manifest as making it very hard to give up certain ingrained eating habits.

Hidden Calories

Type ones must be careful of unknowingly eating lots of calories in the foods that they feel are “free” or “holy.”

Lifestyle Eating

Although Type Ones are usually quite reserved and sober in their choices, a party atmosphere is an opening — a chance for their alter ego to emerge and do the things that they have been suppressing in their minds.  They key here, is that Type One must allow themselves fun on a routine basis so that they are less likely to have a guilty binge during a party.

Ordering Style

When Ones order they are rational, reserved and health conscious. If they are trying to lose weight, then they are keenly aware of others’ orders and may feel guilty if someone else orders something healthier then them. They judge others on their orders. They may complain to the staff that the food or service was unsatisfactory or provide improvement comments.

Representative Meals

Type Ones’ foods and food settings that best represent them are foods that are give moral values (include organic, or free range), eaten with good manners, at the table, with a clean setting.


In regards to Types Ones adopting food changes  into their diet — they are good at following rules and changing once they have adequately judged the change to be righteous and correct.  They are good at making meal plans, and preparing for healthy foods ahead of time. They are often successful at sticking to a regimented food schedule and appreciate feeling like they are doing the right thing.



Exercise Motivation

Type Ones have good intentions and most are truly motivated be healthy. Type Ones fear being “bad” or “wrong” and they fear they will fail to do the right thing. Perfectionism in Type Ones can become a problem though, because they set the bar so high that they become discouraged.  When they do not meet their expectations they attack themselves with negative self-talk that undermines their fitness efforts. Another issue is Type One’s “No Pain-No Gain” Attitude and their lack of variety (due to Low Openness) in their exercise routines. They tend to feel that exercise has to be boring, repetitive, or painful.

They are a Complaint Type that looks outside of themselves for motivations and goals through doctors, coaches or friends. They desire autonomy and fear being wrong or bad (unhealthy). With these traits in mind, Type Ones are motivated by “doing the right thing” and living a righteous and healthy life (autonomous from illness). When compared to other highly active Types such as Threes or Eights they are less extroverted more concerned about health than notoriety, strength or success.

Baseline Activity Level

Type Ones are typically on the move in order to make things right in the world around them. They are busy doing chores, organizing, and filing trying to keep their lives neat and orderly.  This is a strong trait for fitness as long as their sense of duty revolves around physical chores like gardening as opposed to sedentary chores like organizing photo albums.

Favorite Exercise and Exercise Environment

Type Ones are often involved with distance aerobic activities such as marathon running, triathlons, swimming or rowing. They may exercise in groups or by themselves. If they feel they are being judged they may avoid public gyms. If  in an exercise group, then they are often the people that keep the others on-track or going where others may have quit. Type Ones must be conscious about being good workout partners. They must avoid being too rigid in their workout style and to be careful about hurtful or judgmental comments.

Exercise Personality Limitations

The biggest limitation for the One in terms of exercise is black and white “all or nothing” thinking.  One day they can be exercising with absolute zeal and other days they can be involved in a self-loathing “I’ll never make it”  attitude that prevents them from hitting the gym.   Moreover, they may start to feel that they do not deserve to feel good or be healthy. Ones have to be aware of what turns off their desire to exercise or makes them feel overwhelmed or inherently undeserving of health. They must be easier on themselves in terms of their criticism and work on their optimism. Ones may feel that it is only worth it to go have a long intense workout, but these long workouts take a toll on other commitments and duties in their lives. Instead of taking long bouts of exercise, they must try sticking to short and fun routines.

Exercise Vigilance, Variety and Intensity


Type Ones also have a strong sense of duty and dedication. They may avoid starting a project that they cannot finish. Once they have signed up for a cause, then they are willing to see it through to the end. The problem is that Type Ones often have significant competing duties that have immediate consequences — work or volunteer deadlines. Ones are orderly enough, however, to schedule themselves time for exercise.


Type Ones have a very limited variety in their workouts. They tend to have basic goals and from their trainer, program or doctor and stick to it with religious zeal when they work out. Their Style of Activity is called the “Plodder” because their slow methodical progression and limited variety.


Ones are quite tough minded and are used to pushing themselves. The same is true in exercise. This character trait sets them up for injury if significant time has lapsed between their workouts and they pick up where they left off.

Exercise Anxiety Regarding Preparation and Performance

Pre-Exercise Anxiety

Type Ones know what to do, and know how to manage their time. Prior to exercise Type Ones are mainly concerned about dropping the ball in other duties and commitments. They may feel like they do not have the time they require to meet their goal and to workout the way they “should” work out. Just prior to working out they may be de-motivated by the boring or grueling exercise that they have planned. Their sense of “no pain, no gain” may be unconsciously making them feel pessimistic. This can be avoided with some fun and game play in their exercise.

Exercise Performance Anxiety

During exercise, Type Ones may prefer solitary activities where they will not feel the stress of being judged.

Post-Performance Guilt

After exercise Type Ones must be conscious of feeling guilty that they did not workout hard enough or long enough. They must allow themselves to feel optimistic and vibrant and to feel that they are achieving their fitness goals.

Learn About Diet Strengths and Skills for Type One

By Dr. Scott Harrington

JUN 2012