Its a very good question. There is some recent work on this that shows the biochemical and hormonal functions that are involved in the experience of pleasure and the function of pleasure in addiction. Socrates noted how that pleasure follows when pain ends, even if the pleasure is simply a recognition that the pain has ended. Certainly, this program challenges the pleasure that we experience with certain foods (hence the name ”comfort food”). And we have to discover new pleasure in things that were not a part of our previous culinary life. I wondered if we shouldn’t have a group here called ”Cravings”! I still think about pretzels now and then.

A very interesting question, indeed. For me pleasure = satisfaction. In general I have less stress when I am satisfied. Even when working in a stressful environment, if I can derive satisfaction from the process that leads to a successful conclusion of a project, then I derive a certain amount of pleasure. It is the satisfaction, pleasure, the derives from knowing that a job is well done. I derive satisfaction/pleasure from music performance, woodworking, photography, fishing, even leisure time. Anytime I derive satisfaction/pleasure, I reduce stress.
When it comes to food, I derive satisfaction from such things as flavors, textures and colors of the foods I eat. To avoid overeating to derive my satisfaction, I choose to eat before I become hungry. If I wait until I am hungry, it is often too late. That produces stress.

Pleasure to me means ”FLOW” ! When I feel my most pleasure, I am doing something that I am interested in and have my whole thought process and body ingaged in it. I don’t think of stressful things, eating, how hungry I am, or anything else except what I am doing. I’m in a blissful state of mind, almost like meditating ! Making jewelry, gardening, or getting lost in a book are ways I use the ’ FLOW ” to have pleasure ! Be in the moment! Be in this moment or in the FLOW! Vicki