PW - I had the same experience when I simply stopped consuming sugar: within a few days of abstinence, the cravings completely disappeared. At the church where I work, I walk right past plates of cookies with no regret or longing. It really drives home the chemical nature of sugar addiction.
Now, someone waving a steaming bowl of mac and cheese under my nose might risk losing an arm! I will always miss potatoes and pasta, which might as well be sugar for my metabolism. For my birthday, I don't need a cake; I'd rather celebrate with some buttered starch!