Most people never realize they're just following programmed responses. The clock says it's time to eat, so they eat. The craving hits, so they satisfy it. 

Free will becomes an illusion when every "decision" is actually a conditioned reflex.

But Allah, in His infinite wisdom, has given us tools to break these cycles. When you consciously choose to fast, to abstain, to say "no" when your nafs expects "yes" - you're not just changing your eating habits. You're reclaiming your willpower from systems designed to enslave it.

This is the essence of what Allah calls taqwa - that conscious awareness of His presence that gives you the strength to choose what pleases Him over what pleases your desires. 

Every time you resist an automated response and turn to Allah instead, you're building spiritual muscle that transforms every aspect of your life.

The Quran reminds us that Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves. 

Breaking these cycles is about liberating your soul from anything that competes with your devotion to your Creator.