I doubt anyone noticed, but on July 1st, I didn’t post my monthly “weight report.” My intention for 2014 had been to keep my readership informed of my continuing maintenance at my preferred weight. But during the month of June, something insidious happened that momentarily derailed that plan.

Note that I said “momentarily;” this story has a happy ending.

A sugar-binge that started with a slab of chocolate fudge birthday cake lasted all through my 2-week Idaho retreat and finally came to a screeching halt after 18 days of insanity. During that time, I gained 8 pounds. Yes, that’s right: Eight pounds in eighteen days.

Unrefined sugar causes spikes in your blood sugar. Insulin rushes in to break it down. Once the sugar is processed, the insulin says, “Hello? I need more!” and the yo-yo is on! Highs and lows, ups and downs, crash and burn.

I ate like a madman, or madwoman, if you prefer. Sugar, sugar, sugar. Intellectually, I knew exactly what was happening, but sugar to a food addict is like alcohol to an alcoholic. I could not stop.

Each morning, I was determined to get back on track. I went for a walk. I took my vitamins and arthritis supplements. I laid out my plan for the day. And by noon, that plan was all shot to hell.

Yes, I was going through some personal emotional upsets, but is there ever a time that all is “calm” in anyone’s life? Sugar won’t fix it. I know that, but I was powerless over the insidious substance.

Nevertheless, as soon as I got back home and returned to my regular routine, I was able to regain a little sanity over my food intake. A “slip” is not a relapse, but where’s the turning point?

Today I am back inside my “target zone.” I am happily back between 143-147, and my bottom line is that I learned, once again, that I must avoid covert sugar. And that includes birthday cake—mine and everyone else’s. No exceptions.