What about military fat loss research VS main stream research? Uncensored Podcast

October 1, 2014 by Roberta Saum Leave a Comment

Barbell weight lifting group workout exercise at gym box

The military research studies were used to design the Venus and Adonis programs for a reason.

What is different about military research studies compared to main stream research studies?

What is the difference between civilian fat loss research and Military weight loss research?

What do these studies have to do with how Adonis and Venus programs are setup?

What happens to men and women’s hormones during fasting from food and fat burning?

What is different for women regarding fat oxidation and fat burning?

How is the hormone Leptin different for women, according to these studies?

Mainly John and Brad wanted you all to know how these studies relate to the Adonis and Venus programs; The Virtual Nutritionist, The Reverse Taper Protocol, The Theory of Fat Availability, The Undulating Metabolic Override Program, and the gender differences in metabolism.

Listen to what John and Brad have to say about this topic:

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Filed Under: Health, Uncensored Podcasts S03, weight loss Tagged With: Anything Goes Diet, brad pilon, diet for weight loss, Eat Stop Eat, goal setting, john barban, The Venus Factor, 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

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.

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

Venus Success Stories; Meet Sue

September 19, 2014 by Roberta Saum Leave a Comment

Meet our latest 62 year old Venus named Sue

The Venus Factor program works for women of all ages.

Sue jumped into the program with full gusto

At age 61 Sue jumped right into our program with amazing gusto with both the workouts and nutrition.

She found the calorie deficit easier than expected. She immediately started measuring and logging her food and enjoyed learning about all the macro nutrients.

The exercises looked daunting at first but she gave it a go even if she couldn’t do as many reps as the workout specified. Within a week she found that she could perform daily chores with more ease. Soon she was able to do dips, and found that overall she had increased energy throughout the day.

Sue is very active on the community blog.

You can meet Sue in our online community through her profile. Here’s the entry in her blog after the first week:

Sue’s results for week one doing the Venus Factor program with full gusto.

The internal and external changes are all pretty exciting!

As Sue quickly learned, the program changes how you live your life. The changes are mental as well as physical. It’s pretty exciting at first, and it stays exciting as you find success in all aspects of your life.

Her energetic and inspiring posts are contagious “Dancing on the spot, dancing on the spot – woo hoo dropped a size in shorts from a tight size 16 to a comfortable size 14 (Australian sizes). Can’t believe it as I am only on Week 2 day 4 – the diet, exercises and weights sure do work. No more bloating either. Thank you, thank you, thank you … now to aim for a size 12 🙂”

Sue found freedom and a sense of excitement with the changes in her life!

There is freedom from food restrictions and you still lose weight!

Sue found so much freedom with food and a renewed love for cooking:

Home, sat in the shade outside with a lovely cool sparkling glass of water (wish it was champers but oh well we have to do what we got to do ) before heading inside for a cooking session. Made 24 stuffed potatoes (didn’t count the calories as I shall definitely not be eating those fattening devils) 4 cumin scented turkey burgers (174 calories each – yes I measure and count everything included in them, then weigh the finished burgers to make sure they all weigh near enough the same and then divide by four) and 8 lean mince/pork burgers (276 calories per burger) great for when I need protein at the end of the day. Everything is now in the freezer so time for me to relax with the vegetable and chickpea soup I made yesterday for lunch (85 calories a cup). Planning on BBQ fillet steak and salad tonight followed by another cappuccino. Now who said you couldn’t eat on this diet?

Love this diet and I love to cook. I can cook, eat and still loose weight. There’s nothing better than good food, fresh food and food you can prepare yourself. You know exactly what is going into it and the calorie value. I’ve started to build a recipe collection of low fat meals

Sue experimented until she found the right mix of foods for herself.

We all have to experiment to find the right mix of foods for ourselves

We are all different and we all have to find the right mix of foods for our individual health. That is the main reason Venus does not prescribe a specific diet style. Sue is like me in this regard though, we both feel and perform better with less processed sugar and artificial sweeteners.

For the most part we all find we do better with less food, or the correct amount of food for our size, compared to when we overate and had gained weight. Here’s what Sue had to say about the changes in her diet:

I came to the decision to give up all sugar, artificial and otherwise. I found that the more artificial sugar I had, the more I yearned to eat sweet things. Was it hard giving away those diet yoghurts, diet ice cream, diet desserts and my homemade cakes, biscuits and sugar in tea and coffee? Yes, but after five weeks my body has adapted and now I don’t crave sweet foods as I did before. If I do fancy something sweet, I grab a piece of fruit which seems to satisfy those occasional cravings. My consumption of bread, pasta and rice has also changed. An occasional quarter cup of cooked rice (and yes I was horrified at how little it was) now feels normal, an occasional slice of sour dough bread with an egg or and open sandwich for lunch is more than enough and pasta, which I love, is now banned for the foreseeable future and is better avoided (as is chocolate).

I eat what I want to eat, within reason. I now know what to avoid – my danger foods. I am so focused on counting calories. Nothing goes into my mouth which isn’t counted (even those one or two stray grapes). Every ingredient in my favorite recipes are weighed and measured and counted (and weighed again as I dish the food out for myself).

How little it looks on the plate. Is 150 gram fillet steak really that small? 200 grams of white fish really going to be enough? It is. My body has adapted to the change. Now I truly enjoy my food. I don’t eat for the sake of eating nor do I go back for seconds (if I am tempted I move away from the table). I feel hunger after an 18 hour fast; I now know when I am hungry or when my mind/body thinks it is hungry and more often than not, I find water sates this hunger. The feeling of emptiness in the stomach – no more bloating, no more overfilling, no more stuffing myself until I feel sick!

Sue had her birthday after several weeks into the program.
At age 62 Sue finds she is now a runner and has total zest for life!

The empowerment of gaining physical strength

Like most of us who have gone through the Venus workouts Sue found empowerment in her physical strength. At age 62 she ran her first 5 mile run in 50 minutes!

Sue describes her experience with her gains in physical strength:

How quickly time has flown – here I am in Week 11 and I can’t believe the change in myself, my attitude to food and exercise. One thing I have discovered that it is never too late to start exercising, whatever your health. Yes, it does require effort and may come with a bit of soreness and pain but within weeks one begins to see the positive results exercise brings. Venus not only firms my body and quickens my mind (remembering all those exercises) it also makes me feel good and sends my spirits soaring.

When I first started this program, weights seemed tough work at first and at times I wondered if I would chuck in the towel as the exercises seemed daunting. Reading through the blogs helped keep me on the right track. Within a couple of weeks, I was surprised by what I was able to achieve. My strength increased and now, weeks later, I find I am able to carry all sort of things that I would have once struggled with. I definitely like being a strong woman!

I was totally unfit when I started this program and I did experience soreness and stiffness when I first started exercising (slowly) but my body became use to the weight and floor exercises and most of my aches and pains disappeared. I exercise at home (no gym nearby) and I found the Venus Workout Videos a real bonus in helping me acquire the right technique for working out.

One thing I can say, is don’t expect immediate results. It takes time to transform and reshape a body 11 weeks on, I can see a great difference with my weight loss and in how my body looks but I also know it’s going to take me a lot longer to reach my Venus metrics.

Once I could see and feel the benefits of exercise in my body, it motivated me to truly eat well. I basically eat fresh, healthy foods and I now find them delicious. On this program I have found that I don’t have to stop eating all my favorite foods either, I just reduce my portions. I eat far slower than I use too, I put down my knife and fork and actually relish what I eat, rather than stuffing food into my mouth and gobbling it as quick as I once did turkey style! I’ve also found I don’t have to deprive myself of occasional treats (the crucial word here is ‘occasional’), though I tend to save them until we are dining out or entertaining. Ice cream and chocolate are my worse downfalls and I haven’t eaten either since starting Venus. I’ve managed to resist temptation by hiding them in the deepest recesses of the fridge/cupboard or freezer – it is too much like hard work to extract them

I was in the right frame of mind when I started this program and I have always been positive about my gradual move to fitness, loss of weight and inches. I decided that I wanted to be fit and healthy because there is so much more I want to do in my life. I want to be active so that I can enjoy playing with my grandchildren. I also want to be active so that I can enjoy long walks with my husband and dogs, play tennis and squash again and perhaps take up sailing. And yes, after 11 weeks I can now do all this.

I thought I was too old to do this at the age of 60-61. Getting out of the chair was difficult, climbing into the car, walking, puffing, slouching, round shouldered, I acted and became that old woman. I thought I was old so I behaved as if I was old. Everyone of us has to grow old, but I have learned through Venus that one doesn’t have to be old. I am not old. By becoming fitter and healthier the more positive I have become in my life and self esteem. What I have found is that anyone can improve their diet, anyone can loose weight if they set their mind to it and anyone can increase their vigor and fitness levels whatever their age. It definitely has benefited not only my heart, but my mind and soul as well. Venus in 11 weeks has given my back my pep and made me younger and quite honestly that’s the best thing that has happened to me in many years. They deserve a BIG HUG. Thanks guys and thanks to everyone of you who support one another on each of our journeys. You truly are the best

Sue enjoys her grandchildren and finds that Venus is a sustainable lifestyle.

Sue found that Venus is a sustainable lifestyle

The Venus workouts are not a walk in the park. But with perseverance they do lead you along a path of rapid growth and they can change not only your body but your life. The more you workout the easier it becomes. All I can say to anyone is that whatever you do – keep going and yes, like me, you’ll find that your motivation will ebb and flow. When I first started the workouts, the first few months were hard, and then I started bumping into periods of low energy. Habit and a focus on what I wanted to achieve is what kept me going. I constantly reminded myself that this was what I wanted to do. I wanted to become fitter and toned and I wanted to be able to move more and have a healthy, active retirement and this is what I have and am achieving.

And remember we are all unique. Never compare yourself to someone else. It is your journey and during your journey you’ll hit bumps in the road where you will eat over your maintenance or where something happens to knock you off course – always remember these bumps are just a small part of your journey. The best thing you can do is not to focus on it but to get yourself back on track as soon as you can and keep moving forward.

Take one day at a time and enjoy the unexpected surprises that may be thrown at you. We all have those days when we over eat or need a sugar fix by eating those chocolate brownies or we continually dip our hand into the cookie bin. Don’t be negative about it, take action and move forward and be flexible knowing that you have the tools and ability to get yourself back on track. It’s a part of the journey to weight loss and it will also stand you in good stead, once you are on maintenance, because you have learned how to get yourself back on track.

When I started Venus, my dream was not only to lose weight and be within my healthy weight range, I also wanted to be fit and be able to complete the Venus Index Workout. It has not only become my reality but my dream and Venus has moved me forward into achieving more than I ever expected. I am doing something I now love, it has energized me, turned my sedentary life around and I am now living my dream and a life that makes me grateful to be alive. Venus has definitely changed my life.

I hope you enjoyed Sue’s story. It’s pretty exciting to see lives change. We have stories like this inside our private community and they are growing in number!

If you have a story you would like us to tell about your experience with the Venus Factor please feel free to contact any of the Venus coaches.

– Coach Roberta

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Filed Under: Diet, Uncategorized, weight loss Tagged With: Anything Goes Diet, becoming a venus, brad pilon, diet for weight loss, Eat Stop Eat, goal setting, john barban, The Venus Factor, working out for shape

How about a life in a new and improved body at age 45?

September 15, 2014 by Roberta Saum Leave a Comment

At age 45 Sue has discovered life in a new and improved body!

Sue placed 10th in our VT11 Venus Transformation Contest

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

I discovered the Venus Factor program in March 2014 and really liked the structure of it and the community. I weighed 172 pounds and while I’m 5’10” tall, excess weight on me is still fat and looks horrid. I took some photos at that point (I have included them to show my whole journey), just so I could look back and see where I’d come from. This would be at least the seventh time that I would have lost over 20 pounds in the last 15 years, so my struggle isn’t so much in losing the weight (I can be dedicated for a period), but in the maintaining and keeping it off. The addition of getting older (I’m 45) and having recently started HRT were added bonuses in the equation!

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 livable! I also loved that I didn’t need to plan my own workouts .. just print it out and go do it. Brain interference = Zero.

From March to May 2014 I followed Venus, although since I do karate at a fairly high level and train regularly, I was more intermittent than structured with the workouts. I lost about 15 pounds during that time and then decided to enter the contest. At the same time, I also entered an adventure race, which is trail running, mountain biking and kayaking in the Australian Blue Mountains, outside of Sydney. I needed to train for this as I hadn’t run or ridden a bike in over 30 years! I was also training for my first dan black belt grading in karate, which I achieved at the end of June. So I was getting quite a bit of varied training but all the extra load then caused my knee to start giving me grief. The doctor has since said I have Osteoarthritis in both knees, but I’m working with a physiologist to manage that, as I’m not willing to give up any of my training.

In the middle of the contest period, I got sick. I tried for a while to control my diet, but my body was just CRAVING carbs. I would go DAYS where the thought of bread and butter and honey was at the forefront of my mind! Eventually I gave in. I also didn’t train in any way for about three or four weeks. I was disappointed in my lack of progress, given the race and the contest had end dates that were fast approaching. I made the decision then that I would not be where I wanted to be at the end of the contest, so I would not get a professional photographer. I would still take the pictures myself AND submit them .. since I committed to myself up front that I would.

Well, race day came and went and it was a blast! About 17 miles covered and we didn’t stop for over four-and-a-half hours. I was completed exhausted by the end .. but I did it! Only one week to go to the end of the Venus contest from there. I had incorporated two Eat-Stop-Eat style fasts into my week a while ago and since I was under instruction to completely rest my knee (no training in the last week for me) and I had work commitments and meetings that would make the water loading of Slim in 7 problematic, I decided to just eat super-clean, in calorific deficit and do an extra day fasting. The result was astonishing! Not only did I make my Venus Index metrics on weight and waist, I went under them! Unbelievable. The photos, while very ordinary quality, do show the incredible transformation and I couldn’t be happier with the hard evidence in front of me. And yes, I am KICKING myself for not going professional for them!

Aside from losing weight using the Venus Factor program, I have learned a couple of other really valuable things from this experience. During the time I was sick and recovering and also not training, I learned how to relax on the program and how to maintain – which is HUGE for me. I also learned how much I can change my body in just one week when I want to, and how vital diet is. I discovered through the Venus community that maintaining a healthy and fit body isn’t the effortless, anything-goes lifestyle that I’ve always assumed .. that healthy, fit people have to actively maintain their bodies and take responsibility for it. And I’ve found that while I don’t need to count calories (I haven’t for most of the contest period), I DO like to weigh myself every day to keep myself accountable .. and motivated!

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!

Sue lost 15 pounds in 12 weeks in spite of some setbacks.

Sue is active in the online forum

Sue is an energetic, fun, and super supportive member of our community where you can find her often giving an encouraging word to others.

We have a very popular thread in the forum called “The last 10 pounds” because this seems to be a very difficult part of the process and requires much patience. This is the time where your food intake needs to be almost as precise as a lab experiment. It requires tremendous discipline and consistency.

Here is a sample of the fun Sue brought to our community right from the start:

Shaeshae, I’m with you .. have just been wandering through the Forum halls and came across this thread of awesomeness!!

Hi guys! I’m down to within my last 10lbs now, which is quite exciting. The whole process has worked REALLY well – dropping 19lbs and 3.5″ off my waist in just over 9 weeks. ESE has REALLY helped me to manage the whole process and it will be an invaluable tool in maintaining things going forward, as will the VF education on how much food really makes up my maintenance level.

I can already see me doing another program targeted at muscle and muscle shape development once I reach my goal of 145lbs (I’m 5’10”) .. and I’m excited about that already!

I have a grading coming up (I do karate) at the end of June and I’m hoping to be selected to attempt for my first dan black belt! I plan to be at or very close to my goal weight by then and already into the strength improvement side of things .. will feel wonderful doing a 4 hour grading and not feeling bogged down with excess weight or lack of strength or fitness. For the first time I look forward to the challenge with only excitement and no underlying feelings of dread or fear!

You guys are awesome, the way you share your experience with newbies like me. And you make us feel like no question is too stupid (even if it might be!). Thanks so much!!

Note: ESE is the acronym for the book Eat Stop Eat by Brad Pilon.

This is only a small window of time in Sue’s overall weight loss journey.

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.

Sue keeps an online blog in our private community

Sue’s blog in the community is named “Life in a new and improved body” and yes, that is exactly what she has found with the Venus Factor!

After just a few months in the community Sue posted a picture in her blog to share some very wise words:

What are the most powerful words in the universe?

The ones you use to talk to yourself.

Talk with love.

Sue is an energetic and helpful personality in our online community.

Sue’s favorite supplements

Sue uses a variety of health supplements which she talks about in the podcast. Among them she likes some of the BioTrust products. She likes the probiotic and the frosted oatmeal protein cookies. She has the IC-5 and the AbsorbMax and would like to incorporate those into her regimen soon.

You can listen to her story and words of wisdom here:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Interview, transformation, Uncategorized Tagged With: Anything Goes Diet, becoming a venus, body composition, bodyfat, brad pilon, contest interview, diet for weight loss, Eat Stop Eat, goal setting, john barban, The Venus Factor, 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 Will Start on September 1st, 2014

August 29, 2014 by Roberta Saum Leave a Comment

How would you like to achieve the same success as these previous Venus Transformation contest winners? You definitely can do it too – at any age!

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.

Here are the steps to enter VT12:

1) Login to your online Venus account

2) Click on the “Tracker” menu

3) Click on the “Contest Dashboard” button

4) Click on the green “Join Contest” button

5) Drag and Drop your contest pictures

6) Scroll down and enter your measurements with the drop down arrows

7) Click on the blue “Start Contest” button

8) You are successfully entered when you see the green letters that say “Before photos uploaded”

Please carefully read the contest instructions before you enter the contest.

If you receive an email after the pictures have uploaded YOU ARE IN the contest. So it’s time to hit the gym (even it’s at home!) and follow your nutrition plan. Make this happen!

See the results of our previous contests.

The Venus 12 week contest is an En Route Train Stop in your life long Venus journey!

Have fun!

– 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.

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

Filed Under: Contest, Uncategorized Tagged With: john barban, The Venus Factor, Venus Index, venus index contest, Venus index Transformation, working out for shape

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

What about Carbon VS Calories? Uncensored Podcast

August 6, 2014 by Roberta Saum Leave a Comment

What are calories and carbon?

How did the calorie measurement get started?

Why are calories a central focus with fat loss?

What is a calorie?

What is the caveat about the calorie measurement?

How does this relate to the world wars, soldiers, and work?

What is a carbon?

What about carbon balance?

How does this relate to why some diets seem to produce more fat loss?

How does this relate to metabolic rate?

How can you measure carbon and carbon balance?

What steps can you take?

Where do weight, heat, and breath fit in?

What about high fat, low calorie, etc?

Listen to what John and Brad have to say about Carbon and Calories:

IMMERSION Clients May Login and Download Podcast Here

Not a Venus Index IMMERSION client? Click here to find out more…

Filed Under: Uncategorized, Uncensored Podcasts S03 Tagged With: Anything Goes Diet, brad pilon, diet for weight loss, Eat Stop Eat, john barban, The Venus Factor, Venus Index, 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.