I Got Answers, and so will you (ivillage.com)

Member Name: NikkiH

Product:	ivillage.com
Date:	30/05/01 (41 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots of info, Community spirit

Disadvantages: .

www.ivillage.co.uk is a site that a lot of Dooyooers will be familiar with as it was the subject of many banner ads not so long ago. I recently saw it advertised in a womens magazine, so I thought I would give it a look, and after just one visit it was bookmarked.

The site started up in America, and was initially aimed at women, although now it has been adapted for the British market, it is as appealing to men as it is to women.

It is billed as "The site where women find answers", and in my case this was very true.

When you join ivillage you are also given a free e mail account. Joining the site does not produce any surprises.

*You choose a user name which then becomes your e mail address, e.g. NikkiH1174@ivillage.co.uk.

*Then as standard, you choose a password,and leave a hint as to what it is should you forget it.

*Current e mail address and name are next, then date of birth, then gender

*Then you choose the country you are from which flummaxed me for a moment as United Kingdom was the first on the list before Afghanistan etc, and I had already scrolled down to U. FInally you leave your postcode, and then agree to the terms of the site. (After you have read them of course).

*You can then sign up for newsletters of your choice.

*The final page asks about your present circumstances such as work and lifestyle.

Right that is the formalities out of the way, now lets get down to the nitty gritty.

As a woman still trying to lose her "baby belly", I headed straight for The Shape Up Challenge. Basically, this is a healthy eating programme designed to help you get into shape. What shape they do not say!! It is not a faddy diet. The plan gives you nutritional advice, online support from other dieters and a boatload of information to help you on your way. There is a new slant on dieting too, as there is a very helpful page which gives you great advice on cho
osing a diet to suit your metabolism and body type, because after all we are very different.

I have had a look at the message boards, and the messages on there are very supportive, and there seems to be a real community feel about the site.

Another section I have found intriguing is how to raise my energy levels, as when I work full time and look after my daughter, I have no energy left, and there were so many tips I cannot use them all.

There is an Internet section which covers jargon, protecting children and best buys.

The site is just such a minefield of information I am sure it will take me many visits and many updates to give you all the information, but I will try.

In the meantime have a look yourself, you never know what you may learn.

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