VT12 Contest deadline is quickly approaching – Get ready for Amazing

November 18, 2014 by Roberta Saum Leave a Comment

A few of the previous contest winners.

Get ready for AMAZING!

Will you be next?

Get your final entries in by midnight Eastern time November 24th.

Use the contest entry form (the same that you used to enter the contest).

We’ll need from you:

front pose
back pose
side pose
newspaper pose
up to 15 cover pictures of your choice
your 250 word or more essay (please include your age in the essay)

and your measurements:

height
weight
shoulders
waist
hips

We are looking forward to the amazing results of your hard work.

Coach Roberta

If you have any questions or problems with uploading your pictures email me: roberta.saum@gmail.com

Filed Under: Contest Tagged With: goal setting, john barban, The Venus Factor, transformation, transformation contest, venus index contest, Venus Index Workout

Malissa Worked Night Shifts and still Achieved the Body of her Dreams

October 13, 2014 by Liss Graham Leave a Comment

Malissa placed in our VT11 Venus Transformation Contest

She works as a nurse on the night shift and is a busy mom, despite these obstacles she still was able to transform her body and mind in spectacular fashion during the contest!

Malissa looks fabulous

Malissa is strong and lean

This is what Malissa had to say about her transformation in her own words-

Wow is all I can say. I accidentally clicked on this ad on facebook six months ago and its the best mistake I’ve ever made. Went into this with no expectations just wanted to lose 20-30lbs and discovered I love weights and I’m so mad at myself for having a gym membership and using it for cardio classes. This program has helped me get to a level of fitness that I have never had in my entire life. The program has changed my life forever and helped me find a new passion.

Working the Night Shift

This what Malissa had to say about how her she fit in nutrition with her work schedule-

I am a night shifter; I work 12 hour shifts 7pm-7am 3 nights a week on a very busy medical floor. I fell into the trap of mindless eating like many people do when they work shift work. Many times you eat to stay awake or you are just hungry for no reason. And you work with other people in the same boat who believe they are overweight because of the shift they work and lack of sleep screwing up their metabolism. But there are people who work these shifts and don’t have an obvious weight problem. So as I started Venus factor I had to take into account I would be eating 1000 calories on most days and I would have to keep to that deficit even on the nights that I worked. So I planned my meals out in advance I would fast until 3 or 4pm on days when I was working. I would many nights eat my dinner and snacks by 11 or 12am and just drink coffee, tea, energy drinks, and diet soda after that (caffeine is the sidekick to a night shift nurse). I packed my lunch and avoided the hospital cafeteria like the plague. I would try and save maintenance days for when I knew co-workers were planning on bringing in food but many times I had to pass because someone is always bringing in cake for no apparent reason or quick high calorie snack items and happy to share. I have become a foodie with protein powder so I made a lot of desserts that I could have and brought them into work and let my co-workers test them out too. I am a big fan of the mind set of “Eat what you love everyday” if there is something you love research it find a lower calorie version and make it yourself. But honestly many times you just have to learn to say no and walk away because it is not part of your ultimate goal, and no food tastes as good as being able to fit into the clothing you want feels. So if you are doing this and you work these crazy hours like me know that it is possible. Logging and planning ahead were my biggest tools I had flops nobody is perfect, you just have to make sure flops are not a consistent part of your routine. As for food choices protein and low carb are better friends to night shift if you eat high carb it actually contributes to your fatigue and sluggishness. So I found that avoiding the grains and high sugar foods helped with my energy levels along with all the caffeine. Now as I am in maintenance I tend to find I have better luck with eating a little lower on days where I am home and eating at maintenance on nights when I work.

Malissa Loves the Online Community

You can read her blog here and interact with her in the community.

Malissa’s blog in the Venus community

Here is more about how Malissa did it

How did you find the Venus Factor?
I came across the Venus Factor on Facebook after the holidays when I was beginning to gain some weight back after a long streak of slow weight loss with calorie reduction and taking group exercise classes 4-5 days per week. I watched the brief video and thought it kind of made sense. I liked the cost of the program and decided to give it a try.
What aspect of the program was most beneficial to you?
The aspects of the program I found most beneficial was that it was electronically downloadable and I didn’t have to wait for anything in the mail. I could start pretty much right away. I liked the mobile version that I could take with me to the gym so I could access any videos of exercises I was doing that day.
Did you like the Venus workout?
I love, love, love these workouts they provided a variety that keeps me from getting bored. They really helped with my core strength which I needed desperately suffering from lower back pain on/off. They make you look taller more confident and really help you achieve strength to do things that many women don’t find easy like pushups, pull ups and I think I might actually be able to climb a rope now.
Which workout(s) did you use?
I used the original Venus workouts at the beginning then moved onto Final phase and I was into Phase 3 at the end of the contest. I also used Slim in 7 pre photo prep. Now I have moved back into Final Phase with Venus Circuits and Specializations on off days.
What kept you motivated?
The thing that kept me motivated was that my weight loss was actually noticeable more to others than myself. Even my husband noticed. I was losing a clothing size about every 2-3 weeks it seemed, I started off at a size US 12 and was in a size 4 by the time the contest photos were submitted. I was also motivated by the things I was actually able to do when I got down to a smaller clothing size. I could actually support my own body weight and it was no longer difficult and awkward to do activities like running and spins and turns with ballroom dancing.
Do you have a particular style of eating?
Style of eating… hmm… I really like a variety of foods I am a big fan of cottage cheese, greek yogurt & I never seem to get bored with chicken. I will say that the intermittent fasting technique opened my palate up to try vegetables that I might have passed my nose up at before. Bottom line if you are truly hungry you will eat and these are the times when I introduced a new food to my taste buds.
Did you use the Undulating protocol? If so how did it work for you and did you make any modifications?
I used the undulating protocol for the 1st and 2nd round of Venus. The 2nd round fell during the summer so I moved my maintenance days to fit with cook outs and date nights.

Did you use any supplements?
I use whey protein powder if I am getting behind on my protein requirements. I have recently discovered the Quest bar (yum). I like to make my own food and manipulate recipes so I can increase the protein and still try and keep things low on the calorie counts. I was taking raspberry ketones and green coffee bean at the beginning but stopped and guess what the weight still came off so I don’t waste my money. I just do a women’s multi-vitamin and natural progesterone cream to correct some estrogen dominance that can interfere with my appetite.
Did you use the online community and how was that experience?
I started blogging after I had been doing Venus for 6 weeks and already started seeing results. I went on the blogs and saw all of these incredible pictures of women and the noticeable changes that were happening. The blogs are great it is like your online support group because you will truly need support. No one else around you will probably be doing this and when you give them details that is when they give you there unsolicited advice and it gets very old very soon.
Did you find support with friends and family?
My husband was on/off with the support wagon he gradually accepted that I had become someone different. He really didn’t like me going to the gym and leaving him so then he joined the gym. Once the scales tipped in our relationship he felt the need to change as well. Most everyone has been very encouraging and supportive of me. I did have a couple times when people would pig out in front of me and laugh about it. I heard a couple anorexic comments people love to throw that out.
What was the hardest obstacle to conquer?
The hardest obstacle during this process is when I reached a size 4 for me that is something I really could not believe when I ran into Old Navy grabbed a pair of pairs put them on and they fit perfect. I was never even this small in high school.
How did you feel about your final pictures?
My final pictures I had done Slim in 7 and is started to get pretty miserable by the last 2 days. But I would say it was well worth it. I love my VT11 pictures they are the best pictures I have ever had taken. I can’t believe that I am able to look at myself in a bikini none the less and not want to cringe or pick my body apart for everything that is wrong with it. I look balanced, lean, strong, and confident. Actually, I look even better than I did before I had 3 kids!
Is this a lifestyle you will continue?

This is absolutely a lifestyle I will continue. I love weight training. I now have so many workouts to choose from because of Immersion. I may not always track but can always go back to that tool as well as many of the others. I now have an understanding of how I got to be obese and how very easy it is to do. I now also possess the knowledge of how to correct the situation and prevent it from getting to that point again.

What is your best advice for other Venuses?
Best advice for other women on Venus is: Do those workouts, Blog, don’t get discouraged by what you see and compare yourself. Try all the tools and see what works for you. It is a learning process and in the end you will have learned what you need to maintain. That is the ultimate goal to maintain. That is what I like the most about Venus the creators & coaches don’t want you to rebound they want you to find maintenance

Malissa’s Before and After Pictures & Metrics

Malissa is a total Venus!

Listen to Malissa’s podcast here-

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Contest, Diet, transformation, Uncategorized Tagged With: becoming a venus, brad pilon, Contest, contest interview, contest prep, diet for weight loss, Eat Stop Eat, goal setting, injury, john barban, mom, night shift, The Venus Factor, transformation contest, Venus Index, venus index contest, VT11, work arounds, working mom, working out for shape

Tabitha Transformed her Body and her Family’s Health

October 6, 2014 by Liss Graham Leave a Comment

Tabitha’s stunning transformation during Venus Contest

Tabitha placed in our recent VT11 Venus Transformation Contest.

She did a phenomenal job, and persisted through some hardships. Her results are wonderful!

Tabitha with her husband before and after

Tabitha and her daughter before and after

Here is what Tabitha had to say in her own words

I started my weight loss journey in Jan 2012 with my husband. I did not know about Venus at the time and just counted calories using MFP. By April of that year I gave up. I had only lost 15 pounds and my husband had lost over 30! I was so frustrated because it didn’t even seem like he tried and the weight just fell off, but I was constantly hungry and felt deprived! By 2013, I had gained all the weight back so I decided to try Weight Watchers. I could have all the fruit I wanted so I wouldn’t be hungry on this system right? By July of 2013 I had gained an additional 12 pounds! I was now the heaviest I had ever been. I knew I needed to do something, but just dreaded being hungry ALL the time. My husband had joined Adonis that year and joined one of the contests. I was very skeptical and was sure that skipping breakfast and only eating 1000 calories was very unhealthy! When I saw his after photos I was blown away! He finally convinced me to just give Venus a try. I signed up December 31st and started in January.

The most surprising thing to me was that I could skip breakfast and I was fine! By skipping breakfast I had more calories for later in the day and I wasn’t starving by lunchtime like I normally was when I would eat breakfast! The 1000 calories that I was worried about? Now I routinely only eat 800-850 and I feel just fine! I don’t go to bed hungry. I feel full and even save enough calories to have a bowl of ice cream before bed most nights!

The workouts have been the most challenging aspect of my journey. Six weeks in I started having pain in my knees. I had to completely cut out ALL leg exercises from my routine! I was so discouraged, but the ladies in the forum kept me going and gave me ideas for alternate exercises. I still can’t do most of the exercises, but through the forum and my physical therapist I have enough alternatives to get a good leg workout! I have learned that if you truly want something you will find a way! You just have to keep a positive outlook and keep going! If one way doesn’t work then try something else. Eventually you will find what works for you!

This has been a true lifestyle change for my entire family. We no longer shop the way we used to, we find ourselves primarily shopping along the outside aisles of the store…no more boxed & processed food. We weigh & measure everything we eat. We very rarely eat fast food anymore and we don’t even miss it! Even my 11 year old daughter has started making healthier food choices (on her own) and she has started working out with me in the evenings! We have started cycling has a family and have gone several times over the summer. We have truly changed our lives thanks to Venus and Adonis!

Tabitha’s family has healthy new habits

Tabitha and her daughter working out together

Tabitha loves the online Venus community

You can find Tabitha active in the Venus community and read her blog!

Tabitha is active in the Venus community

Here is more about Tabitha

How did you find the Venus Factor?

Through my husband! We started our weight loss journey together in 2012. I gave up 3 months in, but he kept going. In 2013 he found Adonis and joined a contest. He placed 10th!!! I was very skeptical of the Adonis program when he started…skipping breakfast, eating low calories…it couldn’t be healthy…right? When I saw his after pictures I started to get curious. Finally at the end of December I thought “What have I got to lose?” and signed up!

What aspect of the program was most beneficial to you?

The science behind how to lose weight is what I found most beneficial. As I read the weight loss manual I kept thinking “Wow! This is what I did wrong before! That is why I was always hungry, etc.” I have tried counting calories before but I failed. In 2012 I used MFP to count calories. I stayed below 1200 every day. However, I always felt hungry and after 3 months I just couldn’t maintain it anymore.

When I saw that my deficit calories with Venus was 1000 I thought there is no way I can do that! I was starving eating 1200 with MFP how could I possibly eat 1000 or less? With Venus I learned that eating breakfast was my first mistake. I skip breakfast every day now and I don’t even miss it! My second mistake was eating low every day! Having the maintenance day has really helped. If I am craving something through the week I just wait and eat it on my maintenance day! I never feel deprived and most days I only eat between 800-850 calories and I never go to bed hungry!

Did you like the Venus workout?

I love the workouts! I have never lifted weights before in my life! When I tried to lose weight in 2012 I would walk every day. After a while though that got to be really BORING! I tried workout videos, but gasping and panting for breath after 10 minutes is not my idea of fun! With the Venus workout it is different every day and while I sweat and sometimes breathe hard I never feel like I am dying!

Which workout(s) did you use?

I have stuck with the Phase 1 workout. I have had to modify them a lot due to some knee problems though.

What kept you motivated?

The online community has been my biggest motivator. Reading all the stories and seeing the pictures of all the successful Venus women has given me goals to work toward. Every time I have felt discouraged or would have given up someone is always there to encourage or give advice.

Do you have a particular style of eating?

I really don’t other than that I tend to eat the same foods every day. I find that it is easier because I know the calorie counts in the foods I eat. We have 5-6 meals that we rotate out for dinners.

Did you use the Undulating protocol? If so how did it work for you and did you make any modifications?

I did not use the undulating protocol. Through this journey I have learned a few things about myself. I am very much a type A person and will try to make things more difficult than they are and if I feel that I am not doing something perfect then I will quit…rather than risk failure! Knowing this about myself I decided to just keep things simple and only track my calories and protein. Trying to track carbs, fat, and work out percentages was just too complicated for me and I knew that I would not stick to that and would give up.

Did you use any supplements?

No.

Did you use the online community and how was that experience?

Very frequently! I love the online community and find myself checking that site before Facebook even! I have several women that I follow regularly and I hope to meet a lot of them one day face to face!

Did you find support with friends and family?

I have! I don’t know if I could have stuck with the workouts if my husband was not getting up with me at 5am to workout as well!

What was the hardest obstacle to conquer?

The hardest obstacle for me was the workouts! A few weeks in I started having pain in my knees. After several visits to the Orthopedic, x-rays, MRI’s, etc. the Dr said he had no idea what was causing the pain. However, my Physical Therapist has been working with me and I now have an arsenal of alternate exercises and the pain has gotten better. They are not completely healed and maybe never will be, but at least I can still strengthen! This lesson has taught me that there is always a way!

How did you feel about your final pictures?

I couldn’t believe it! I still look at them and say “Is that really me?” I am very proud of what I have accomplished this year!

Is this a lifestyle you will continue?

Definitely!!! This journey has been a complete lifestyle change for my entire family! We now spend our free time being active. We have started cycling and try to go every chance we get now. I have more energy and feel more alert. I never want to go back to the old me! I want to change my family tree and pass this healthy lifestyle on to my child and have her eventually pass it on to her children!

What is your best advice for other Venus’s?

Always keep a positive attitude! The thoughts you tell yourself really matter! If you are constantly telling yourself that you are weak, you can’t resist high calorie foods, you are tired and can’t workout, etc. You will believe it and set yourself up for failure!

Instead speak positive words or words of life to yourself! Even if you don’t “feel” beautiful, strong, or worth it, tell yourself that you are and eventually you will believe it! Surround yourself with positive people. You don’t need people in your life that only speak negative things into your soul! These people will tear you down not build you up. There really is power in your thoughts and words!

Tabitha’s Metrics Results

Tabitha lost 14.0 lbs and 2.5 inches of both her waist and hips during the 12 week contest!

Note: The Adonis Golden Ratio is the men’s version of our fat loss and muscle building program. Many Venus’s husbands and boyfriends use this program. We are starting to get requests for a “couple’s contest” so if there is enough interest please let me know and we can roll that idea around.

Isn’t Tabitha a beautiful Venus?

You can listen to Tabitha’s story here:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Contest, Diet, transformation, Uncategorized Tagged With: becoming a venus, brad pilon, Contest, contest interview, contest prep, diet for weight loss, Eat Stop Eat, goal setting, injury, john barban, The Venus Factor, transformation contest, Venus Index, venus index contest, VT11, work arounds, working out for shape

How Leann became victorious in the hunger games of life.

September 29, 2014 by Roberta Saum Leave a Comment

I also enjoy Young Adult Dystopias, three which serve as inspiration for the following truth: Venus Factor empowers women to become divergent from the mainstream, knowing that the time for excuses is over (Maze Runner trilogy), so that we can take control and be victorious in the true hunger games of life.

Leann placed 1st in our VT11 Venus Transformation Contest

Here’s what Leann has to say in her own words:

I found Venus Factor through MFP in January 2014. I’d joined a biggest loser competition at work because I was fed up with my post-pregnancy body. I had just stopped nursing my five-month old and knew I could no longer use that as an excuse to overeat.

During my first twelve weeks on Venus, I just focused on getting my eating under control and sticking to the 12 week eating protocol. I did some cardio but not a ton, and I ended up winning that biggest loser contest. VT11 was the start of my second 12 week transformation. I started the lifting program to see better results.

Venus Factor is not just some diet. It has been a lifestyle change, for it has provided me with the right tools, skills, and mindset to manage my eating habits and get into the best health and shape of my life. Portion control, calorie budgeting, and lifting heavy are key. Flexibility and freedom to choose what and when you eat reigns. Finding balance in what you eat—and in life—is imperative. The online community is so supportive.

Being a librarian, I recognize and appreciate VF’s vast collection of resources. I also enjoy Young Adult Dystopias, three which serve as inspiration for the following truth: Venus Factor empowers women to become divergent from the mainstream, knowing that the time for excuses is over (Maze Runner trilogy), so that we can take control and be victorious in the true hunger games of life.

Even though it can be a hassle with young ones, letting your kids see you exercise is beneficial because you’re setting a good example for them.

Leann loves the online community

You can find Leann active in the community and read her blog.

The new friendships formed are fabulous, and I can’t wait until the day when I’m able to go to one of the Venus meet-ups! And now I really have a reason to go to Australia!
It’s neat to have friends all around the world.

Here is more about Leann:

How did you find the Venus Factor?

Through My Fitness Pal (MFP). I had joined a Biggest Loser contest at work back in January. I had stopped nursing with the new year and knew I could no longer use that as an excuse to overeat. Someone had told me about MFP, so while exploring it one night I saw an ad for Venus Factor. I watched the presentation, it seemed to make a lot of sense and was a reasonable price. I purchased it that night, and man was it the best money I’ve ever spent!

What aspect of the program was most beneficial to you?

It’s so hard to pinpoint because everything together is so empowering. The common sense theory, science, and info in the manual + 12 week undulating metabolic override plan + workout program and videos + online community + podcasts + overall flexibility and freedom of the program = empowerment like no other!!!

Back in January, I was recovering from a broken elbow. I had done some of the 30 day shred prior to VF and found that planks were too much for my elbow. So I think that aggravation to my elbow is part of what kept me from starting the VF lifting workouts back in January. But I stuck with the 12 week eating protocol and ended up winning the biggest loser contest – 20 lbs in a little over 2 months! I followed the 12 week eating protocol during VT11, too, and lost nearly another 20 pounds.

Did you like the Venus workout?

Absolutely. I loved not having to kill myself with cardio. The variety in each day’s workout is great because it keeps me from getting bored and stuck in a rut.

The flexibility of the program is wonderful, as well. I work out at home, in our attached garage. I try to get up before my girls to work out, but my youngest is equipped with a great mommy detector. Inevitably she’ll wake up within 30 minutes of me. The first couple weeks this summer I brought her (in either her highchair or walker) into the garage with me while I tried to finish my workout. But I’d have to fix her breakfast, change diapers, deal with my older daughter when she woke up, fix her breakfast, and the interruption list could go on and on. So I learned a few things:

– If my workouts get interrupted, I just pick back up and finish it later (whether later that day or the next)

– Workout whenever it’s convenient for you. Split them up if you have to. I work out all times of the day: early mornings, ongoing throughout the day in between chores, during my girls’ naps, and sometimes at night after they go to sleep.

– If possible, bring your workouts inside to the kids vs bringing your kids outside to the workout. It was so much easier to let my girls comfortably roam inside the house with me doing most of the exercises inside, too. Kitchen appliances (mine are black) serve as great mirrors!

– Even though it can be a hassle with young ones, letting your kids see you exercise is beneficial because you’re setting a good example for them.

Which workout(s) did you use?

VF Workout (weeks 1 – 7) plus the Slim in 7 circuits.

What kept you motivated?

The contest. Seeing it through to the end and whether I could place or not. I also booked a photo shoot—that was a big motivator, too.

But outside the contest, my motivation is the feeling of being comfortable in my clothes, and knowing that I’m healthy and in shape. I want to be a good role model for my daughters, nieces, and any other females out there, struggling like I was.

Do you have a particular style of eating?

Not really. I try to eat mostly clean, but I do allow myself some processed foods. I focus on meeting my protein goal and try to get plenty of fiber, too. Sometimes I fast through breakfast, sometimes not. Occasionally I fast through lunch, too, but usually end up eating as many calories in the evening as I would throughout the day. I bought a digital scale with my Biggest Loser winnings, and I used it religiously during VT11 to weigh my food.

Did you use the Undulating protocol? If so how did it work for you and did you make any modifications?

Yes, it was great! I think it really was the key to my success. I switch my maintenance (M) days around if needed to fit planned—or unplanned—social events. Most weeks during the contest I kept my days right before and after M clean and low.

Did you use any supplements?

Just a women’s multivitamin.

Did you use the online community and how was that experience?

Yes. I dabbled in the forum threads to begin with and just read through them to learn the ropes. My first blog was on July 1st and at first it seemed kind of weird and selfish. But I got over those feelings and learned that it’s great to both give and get support! The new friendships formed are fabulous, and I can’t wait until the day when I’m able to go to one of the Venus meet-ups! And now I really have a reason to go to Australia! It’s neat to have friends all around the world.

Did you find support with friends and family?

Yes and no. My husband and best friend were very supportive. My husband has always touted a healthy lifestyle and I never really jumped on board with him till Venus. We definitely don’t eat as many casseroles as we used to. I’ve taken over his weights this summer. I don’t know if I would’ve got the workouts in if we didn’t have them here at home.

I brought my best friend with me to my photo shoot—she and the photographer made me feel like a million bucks! She’s been so positive and supportive of me since the beginning. She’s now pregnant and I can’t wait to help her get back in shape after the baby arrives. We frequently talk about health, nutrition, and exercise.

My mom and sisters were concerned, though, about me getting “too skinny”. Especially my mom. But my sisters have both purchased VF since I won, though.

What was the hardest obstacle to conquer?

At first, it was tracking my calories. It’s very time consuming—the measuring and/or weighing, looking the foods up in MFP, entering my recipes in MFP—but it’s all well worth it. After awhile you get a good idea of portion sizes. But I know that if I really need to cut, weighing and measuring is key!

After tracking the calories, though, my hardest obstacle is finding—or rather, making—the time to work out.

How did you feel about your final pictures?

Well, it was such an awesome experience! Everyone should do a professional photo shoot at least once, so you can feel like a supermodel! To do it right, though, it takes a lot of prep work: posing, heels, tan, hair, nails, and diet so you’re looking your best. Like Roberta says, though, remember that it’s the weeks of hard work leading up to it that really counts!

Besides that…when my friend and I saw the first glimpses of my pictures, we didn’t see a lot of my muscle definition. But then when I got to preview all of the pictures, it was better and pretty awesome yet overwhelming. I couldn’t believe it was really me! My progress pics at home were definitely no match for ones taken by a professional.

But remember that lighting IS key to catching muscle definition. I actually had pictures taken a second time by my neighbor girl. We used some small lamps to play with the lighting. Her pictures are actually the ones I submitted for the required ones for judging.

Is this a lifestyle you will continue?

Absolutely! The Venus lifestyle will help me get a six pack some day! Aside from that though, I’ve got a long life ahead of me. Venus has empowered me with the mindset and tools to really enjoy life, at a size and shape I’m comfortable with. I am not going to yo-yo like so many others.

What is your best advice for other Venus’s?

– “The time for excuses is over.” Yes it will be hard, but it will be worth it. Suck it up and just do it.

– Evaluate how VF can fit into your lifestyle, not vice versa. The beauty of VF is in its freedom and flexibility.

Eat the foods you want, just stay within your calories. But eat enough protein!!

Workout anytime of day you want. Many women workout fasted, but I usually didn’t. You can break up your workouts, if needed.

– Do the math! Calculate your calories as a weekly budget. If you overeat one day, eat less another.

– It’s okay to be hungry. Drink plenty of water.

– Life happens and will throw your plans out of whack. Just do the best you can and get back on track when you stumble.

– Contest prep:

Book a photo shoot

Practice your poses

Experiment with lighting

Leann lost 20 pounds during this 12 week round.

Now, isn’t Leann a beautiful Venus?!

You can listen to Leann’s story here:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Diet, Interview, transformation, Uncategorized Tagged With: brad pilon, diet for weight loss, Eat Stop Eat, goal setting, john barban, The Venus Factor, transformation contest, Venus Index, venus index contest, working out for shape

How does a young mom lose the “baby fat”?; She joined a Venus Transformation Contest!

September 8, 2014 by Roberta Saum 1 Comment

“I can now say that at the age of 32, and as a mom of a 4 year old and a 9 month old, I look the best I’ve ever looked.”

Diana came in sixth place in our Venus Transformation contest VT10

Diana’s own words regarding the Venus Factor:

The Venus Factor…Wow what a program. I have always been pretty lucky to have a high metabolism. I’ve always been thin and for the most part pretty happy with the “average” way I looked. I’ve never ever liked to work out. I hate cardio and since I don’t tend to gain weight I have never counted calories. I’m a terrible snacker.

I do however worry about health and try to cook wholesome meals for my family. I love all vegetables, I’m not a soft drink addict, I buy organic and so on. My excuse for not working out for the past 5 years has been “what’s the point if I’m just going to gain a bunch of weight back and undo all my hard work by getting pregnant again.”

Well I am done having babies so…bye bye excuse. Back in January I decided it may be time to start getting fit. I contacted my friend Liss Graham because I had seen a transformation in her. I asked if she had any good abdominal exercises she would recommend.

I look back now and think wow did I ask the right person the right question at just the right time or what!! Really it’s more like God’s perfect timing as always and he put Liss into my life all those years ago for a reason.

She tells me she’s been following the Venus Factor and they actually have a contest starting that week and I had till Sunday to sign up! This couldn’t have been more meant to be, it’s not like Venus hosts contests every other week you know.

I watched the intro video and thought “why not.” Let me tell you it’s been a perfect fit for my life! SIMPLY PERFECT. It really is simple but not necessarily easy…that’s my favorite quote from Venus. I didn’t want something that was too easy. I wouldn’t feel accomplished if I didn’t have to work a little for it. I also didn’t want something that was too tough because then I’d just give up.

We have a way of getting into our own heads and putting ourselves down don’t we? The meal plans are fantastic, the recipes are great and they take the guess work out of it. My family has even enjoyed the dinner suggestions. I have become so much more educated on calories, fat burning, protein, and so on.

My eyes have been opened and the veil has been lifted. It all makes sense now! Venus has given me the tools to succeed. And not just the tools, but the motivation and the right educational information as well.

Remember I said I’ve always been thin, well thin doesn’t always mean fit or healthy. I never realized how many calories I was consuming, it was astonishing! I love working out now!!! I’ve never said that before!

Venus has changed the way I look at the gym. I used to feel that if I didn’t do cardio then I was wasting my time. I think a lot of people are lead to believe that. You will never get me in a spin class that’s for sure, but I love lifting weights.

This program is so convenient. I take my phone to the gym, turn on my music, flip over to my workout plan and BAM, I’m on my way to a better me. The videos are perfect, short, and straight to the point.

I could not believe the change and results just after the first week!! I lost 1.75 inches in my waist. Wow if that isn’t motivation to keep going what is. This is the most fit I’ve ever been. I actually miss going to the gym when I have days I can’t go.

I love being in control of my food options and truly enjoy my Eat Up days. I sleep better, have more energy, and feel so much more alive. I wish I could say my clothes fit better but my pants are all way too big now 😉 haha, can we say shopping spree!

My sisters now say I’m their inspiration, 12 weeks ago that would have been a joke. Let me also mention I gained 50 lbs with both my pregnancies! I can now say that at the age of 32, and as a mom of a 4 year old and a 9 month old, I look the best I’ve ever looked.

I’m the best me I’ve ever been and this is just the beginning. Sure I wasn’t bad before, but like Venus says, why settle for average? I have settled way too long. I can now be proud of the way I look because I did this, I worked hard for this and I’m so incredibly happy I did. There’s no stopping me now.

Thank you Venus Factor. What a blessing you have been!

Questions and Answers with our Venus winner Diana

How did you find the Venus Factor?

After gaining 50lbs during my last pregnancy I decided once my son turned 6 months old and the new year rolled around it was time to get serious about getting fit. I asked a good friend of mine what she had been doing because I noticed she had lost weight and looked amazing. She introduced me to the Venus Factor. Thank goodness she did!

What aspect of the program was most beneficial to you?

The workouts. They are simple, and I like that they only take about 45 minutes. I also love that I don’t have to go to the gym 7 days a week in order to get fit. Working out 3 days is perfect!

Did you like the Venus workout?

Yes, love them! I’ve never liked working out….until now! They really are simple but not necessarily easy. I have found my niche! My friends still can’t believe I love working and laugh when I say that I do because they have always known how much I hated it and how lazy I was about it. They can’t stop telling me how good I look.

Which workout(s) did you use?

I used them all and followed the workout plan.

What kept you motivated?

The contest! When I subscribed to the Venus Factor I decided to enter the contest as well. It really helped hold me accountable! Also my coach Liss was a great accountability partner and she kept me very motivated with her encouraging words and suggestions!

Do you have a particular style of eating?

I eat clean, lots of organic fruits and veggies.

Did you use any supplements?

I drink a protein shake after working out.

Did you use the online community and how was that experience?

No, my coach was enough.

Did you find support with friends and family?

Yes my family has been very supportive and excited for me! My friends are full of compliments!

What was the hardest obstacle to conquer?

I love eating snacks on the couch at night while watching tv. I had to cut back on that some and learn how to use my calories wisely during the day so I could have calories left over for my nightly snacks. My snacks make me very happy and I’m glad I didn’t have to get rid of them with the Venus Factor.

How did you feel about your final pictures?

I couldn’t believe it. I am so incredibly proud of myself (I don’t say that often) I looked like the pinterest girls. I could print out my own picture now and put it on my fridge for motivation haha. That’s a good feeling!

Is this a lifestyle you will continue?

Yes of course! I already have! I’ve never been happier with the way I look or felt better in my life!

What is your best advice for other Venuses?

Just get out there and do it, it’s worth a shot! You have nothing to lose. Stop with the excuses. You owe it to yourself, love yourself!

The Venus Transformation Contest VT12 starts TODAY!

September 1, 2014 by Roberta Saum Leave a Comment

Coach Liss knows how to keep you motivated and stay on track. Today is the day to start your transformation!

Coach Liss knows how to keep you motivated and on track.
Today is the day to start your transformation!

The Venus Transformation Contest VT12 starts on September 1, 2014 and ends November 24, 2014

We will accept contest entries starting on September 1, 2014. The deadline for entering your before pictures will be Midnight Eastern Time on September 8, 2014.

The pictures must be taken between between September 1st and September 8th, 2014. The newspaper front page picture must be taken during the same photo session. For more instructions on picture requirements please see the Contest Instructions.

Click here –> Contest instructions, rules, and regulations <– Click here

Note: The contest dashboard does not open until September 1, 2014

(it will not work before then!)

We now have Venus Premier Coaching available for those who want it.

(PS you do not need to be in a contest to sign up for coaching, only willing and committed to make a change)

—> VT12 Contest entry instructions <—

If you carefully followed the contest instructions, you will receive an immediate confirmation email. This is your only confirmation so review your entry carefully and make sure you have followed the instructions.

Checkout the winners of our previous contests.

This is your chance to throw your hat in the ring and be part of something special. It’s time to make a change, a big time change in your body and your life!

Train hard and the best of luck to you!

– Coach Roberta

PS Email me if you have any problems or questions entering the contests. roberta.saum@gmail.com

OR you can message me in the online community forum.

Filed Under: Contest, Uncategorized Tagged With: becoming a venus, diet for weight loss, goal setting, john barban, The Venus Factor, transformation contest, Venus Index, venus index contest

VT11 12-Week Transformation Winners Announced

August 18, 2014 by Roberta Saum 2 Comments

The VT11 results are in and the transformations and final pictures are simply amazing!

One thing I love about the focus for women in the Venus program is “The focus is proportions and shape (rather than weight loss at all costs or building muscle like a guy)” – John Barban.

Congratulations to everyone who entered and finished! This took hard work on the part of everyone and it shows.

Here are the winners:

First Place – Leann

Venus Factor is not just some diet. It has been a lifestyle change, for it has provided me with the right tools, skills, and mindset to manage my eating habits and get into the best health and shape of my life. Portion control, calorie budgeting, and lifting heavy are key. Flexibility and freedom to choose what and when you eat reigns. Finding balance in what you eat—and in life—is imperative. The online community is so supportive.

Second Place – Malissa

Wow is all I can say. I accidentally clicked on this ad on facebook six months ago and its the best mistake I’ve ever made. Went into this with no expectations just wanted to lose 20-30lbs and discovered I love weights and I’m so mad at myself for having a gym membership and using it for cardio classes. This program has helped me get to a level of fitness that I have never had in my entire life. The program has changed my life forever and helped me find a new passion.

Third Place – Tiffany

In regards to fun I didn’t know exercise could be fun, who knew?! Also the access to the Venus community, woman across the world all having ups and downs in life and sharing with each other. Very empowering! So without Venus yes I could live my life but would it be were it is today…no! No because the goals I talked about still wouldn’t be fulfilled and I have had them for a very long time, with no success from other programs. Thank you Venus coaches and creators, this is a part of me now.

Fourth Place – Joan

I felt stuck in a body I didn’t want. I thought I had tried everything. I lacked willpower to follow through with the hard work of trying to avoid certain foods. I don’t have to avoid anything with Venus. As long as I am accountable for the calories I consume, I can eat whatever I want. How cool is that? The variety in the workouts keep me from getting bored of the same thing day after day. I like change, and I love the change in my body. This is a process that has become my healthy lifestyle. Yay Venus, thank you for giving me my life back.

Fifth Place – Tabitha

This has been a true lifestyle change for my entire family. We no longer shop the way we used to, we find ourselves primarily shopping along the outside aisles of the store…no more boxed & processed food. We weigh & measure everything we eat. We very rarely eat fast food anymore and we don’t even miss it! Even my 11 year old daughter has started making healthier food choices (on her own) and she has started working out with me in the evenings! We have started cycling has a family and have gone several times over the summer. We have truly changed our lives thanks to Venus and Adonis!

Sixth Place – Lorie

I babysit for my 2 year old grand baby while my daughter goes to work. In that 2 years I have enjoyed eating way too many snacks, cokes and just about whatever I wanted. I did not go to many places, so I just wore my sweats all day and the weight has just crept up on me. I really was feeling depressed, and it was harder to run and play with my grand baby. I decided to do something about It. I joined the Venus contest, and now 12 weeks and 24 pounds later I am seeing muscles I thought were gone forever.

Seventh Place – Johanna

John, Roberta and his team have done an awesome job with the program structure because, it offer the flexibility I needed with my busy schedule and hectic life. This program gave me all the tools I needed to obtain the figure I wanted to recover. I felt I was having a personal coach that was leading me and encouraging me through my journey. I never thought it was possible to have the same weight and size again that I have when I was 20 years old. This is real and it works, consistency is the key.
I was looking myself in the mirror dreaming about having a tone body again and I decided the moment is now, “I just don’t dream about it anymore , I make it come true.”
Thank you John and Venus team for helping me and supported me to make my dream come true!!!!! 🙂

Eighth Place – Arionna

I have come to love the Venus Index system because for the first time I have learned that this is a journey that is not just about losing pounds. It’s not even really about losing inches (which is a great side benefit, don’t get me wrong!) but this is about a mindset.
Anyone who can successfully do this can do absolutely anything because it’s all about setting priorities and gaining some mental clarity and self control. I seemed to have epiphany after epiphany doing this system. Some days were really really hard and some days were super easy and some days were just days with nothing special about them.
I started this contest right during my husband’s third deployment while my kids and I were living in a foreign country and my sister and her husband came to visit and we also traveled to seven different countries while I did this. I feel like I could have blown this out of the water if all of this hadn’t been going on but the thing is, it’s about real life. And these are the things that happen in real life. People don’t exercise and diet in a vacuum. I had to learn to do it during real life, during stress, heartache, confusion, happiness, celebration, and vacation and it’s definitely do-able. I will definitely continue with this system for the rest of my life.

Ninth Place – Loretta

I’ve had so many people compliment me and some quite vocally (like today at a soccer game, one of the other moms was astonished to see how much I’d lost and said so very loudly!). Many ask me how I did it and I’ve come to the conclusion that weight loss is like smoking. You wont lose weight until you’re tired of seeing yourself and hurting every day from joints that are taxed by your weight. Once you reach that point, Venus is the way to get your life back!
Thank you Venus, John, Roberta, and all the wonderful ladies for the constant support in the blogs. I’m not quite to my goals, but I am very close – closer than I have been in over 20 years!!!

Tenth Place – Sue

The thing that struck a chord in me with Venus was the simplicity in the overriding diet philosophy – I can eat anything I want, provided I am accountable and responsible for it. And I can bank up my calories for special events. I LIKE THAT! It makes the whole thing so much more manageable .. and liveable! I also loved that I didn’t need to plan my own workouts .. just print it out and go do it.
Brain interference = Zero.
Thank you for the Venus program, the incentive of this contest and the incredible community you’ve built. I am so happy with myself and my journey and with my new starting point .. and I can’t WAIT to see what else I can do with this old bod!

Cover Model Category – Julie

This category is for any previous Contest winner who wants to participate. These photographs may be used for future book covers or calendars.

Julie shows us all how we can still have fun at age 53 with the help of the Venus Factor program.
“The mental energy required to get off the last 20 pounds was surprisingly challenging and required much more focus and diligence in sticking to my deficit eating than was required of me during the VT8 contest. I really had to toughen up my mental game. I learned that persistence beats perfection and to just put my head down and grind it out when the going got tough. Thankfully, I had a lot of support and inspiration and examples to follow from the Venus community in doing just that!”

Filed Under: Contest, transformation, Uncategorized Tagged With: Anything Goes Diet, becoming a venus, body composition, bodyfat, brad pilon, diet for weight loss, Eat Stop Eat, goal setting, john barban, The Venus Factor, transformation contest, Venus Index, venus index contest, weight training, working out for shape

Prior Miss Texas got her Venus back at age 52, and the pageant dress fits again!

August 4, 2014 by Roberta Saum Leave a Comment

Bonnie said “I fit back into the sequin dress now, my rear is smaller and my shoulders are bigger. Glory hallelujah!“

Bonnie Thwaits came in second place in our Venus Transformation contest VT10

Bonnie’s own words regarding the Venus Factor:

Howdy,

I was a senior at Texas A & M in 1985, I was also in the Corps of Cadets at A&M with an Amy contract. Women were not allowed in the school band and out of 21 female fish (freshman, like a plebe at Westpoint or Annapolis), only 4 of us (women) made it to our senior year. There were plus or minus 3000 guys in all branches at the military program which is the heart of Texas A & M. So about 4 army women out of 900 guys for the class of ’85. There was also a Texas superior court case argued at the same time to force A&M to allow women into the band and other military groups. (started in 1979) . We were controversial to say the least.

Staying in shape was not a problem! But getting respect as women was. I went out to prove that the girl with the rifle could look like the girl in the contest AT THE SAME TIME!

I was selected as one of the top four ROTC cadets in the nation, as well as top cadet in the third region over all ROTC Cadets. It is important to note that Texas started their women’s program before Westpoint.

So way back in the day!

But the guys accepted us as sort of neuter. We couldn’t be a Venus and a cadet at the same time. Hah! So I went on to represent Texas A &M in the miss Texas USA pageant.

The beach photo is myself sandwiched between two of my children in June of 2013. Ruh-Ro. What happened? I was 52, already owned the Venus program, (for a few months) and just sort of drifting. Like I kinda sorta thought I might not be wearing my old clothes anytime soon, but it wasn’t that bad? Right?

We took my son in the beach picture back to start as a Plebe at the Naval Academy, so ‘glory days’ by Bruce Springsteen was sort of playing in the back of my head. THEN I saw the beach picture.

I had to own that. That was what I looked like. I didn’t feel like I looked like that, but I did. So I plunged into immersion and got to work.

I do listen to the podcasts. Sometimes I even run one when I go to bed, similar to sleeping on one of my Veterinary Books on Surgical technique in the hope of getting smarter, or brainwashing myself, or.. or …something!

Most of the time I listen while I’m commuting. Yet another new habit. It’s hard to pull into Wendy’s while you are committing your time to STOP pulling into the same fast food joint for a quick pick me up (with a few thousand calories) on the way home from work.

Would you like to super-size that, ma’am?

Not anymore.