http://caloriecount.about.comusers/3rdbjl 3rdbjl's Journal - Calorie Count Jul 04 2009 23:20 Calorie Count http://caloriecount.about.com/users/3rdbjl/319000.html Jul 04 2009 23:20 http://caloriecount.about.com/users/3rdbjl/319000.html <p>I'm going to start the Flat Belly Diet starting Monday, July 6th. I've gained about 6 lbs. since my birthday, which happens to coincide with when I started to skip periods--something that has never happened before. So... this means menopause is approaching and the hormones are fluctuating. It means I feel PMS symptoms erratically but unfortunately quite often! It means I am in this constant state of feeding my face! And when the period doesn't arrive, the symptoms stay with me. I feel as if the pot is at a rapid boil, and I wish to get the flame down to a simmer, and have some control back.</p> <p>Then in March I put Dakota down. This was my loyal, dear companion for the past 15-1/2 years. The best gift of all my years! And now I am not walking daily; as much as I want to try to, it just doesn't happen. I believe this obviously has had an effect on my slowing metabolism, along with approaching menopause.</p> <p>And so the 6 lbs. have come upon me: my stomach, my boobs, my hips, and my thighs. I am so disgusted!!</p> http://caloriecount.about.com/users/3rdbjl/319000.html