A Month Without Coffee is an interesting look at addiction/cravings, specifically about coffee, but applicable to other substances. And I think about food at contemplative retreats, monasteries, etc. A key phrase is “flavor signal”. Substances with a strong flavor signal like great coffee and even more, great espresso can be very difficult to give up. The author suggests deconditioning by going from espresso to good coffee to so-so coffee, then quiting coffee (or other addictive substances).
I’m trying to lose weight and finding it very difficult. The same diet that ten years ago lost a pound every week or two is not working. Part of this may be age and medical issues. Part of this may be that I have upped my cooking over the last year. Making blah or mediocre food/coffee/espresso doesn’t seem like a good idea. May be it is.