32 AUGUST 2017 ARCAD A NEWS By Andrea Barkley As Valley temperatures sizzle, many are looking for a way to lighten and tighten up to feel fabulous in their sundresses and swim trunks. Yet, Arcadians are seemingly well above average when it comes to embracing active lifestyles. Residents can often be seen walking their dogs, pedaling their beach cruisers and embarking on hikes and runs. And, with yoga, spin, Pilates and other boutique fitness studios on nearly every corner, the message is clear: we are an active bunch! With all this activity and mindfulness toward fitness, why are so many struggling to shed a few stubborn pounds? As a personal trainer and nutrition coach, here are the top seven reasons I’ve found for people not losing weight: 1. You’re not eating enough. The old adage of calories in, calories out holds some truth, but it is easy to eat too few calories, causing your metabolism to slow in an effort to preserve energy and keep your vital systems running. Plus, real food is surprisingly low calorie, so while enjoying a big salad drizzled with just balsamic vinegar and topped with fish is a completely nutritious choice, an active individual will need much more food throughout the day to make up the calorie deficit. 2. You aren’t eating enough carbs. Low-carb is a popular approach to weight loss and for good reason. If you’re overweight and leading a near sedentary lifestyle, it makes sense that your body would require less fuel. But, if you’re strength training, bike riding, practicing yoga, playing with the kids and running a business, you’ve got to fuel up with carbohydrates. Try eating carbs at each meal that will fuel your active lifestyle and make you feel energized, like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, fruit and quinoa. 3. You’re not balancing your macronutrients. Whether you’re following a Paleo, vegan or vegetarian diet, it’s imperative to balance your ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, otherwise known as macronutrients, for the day. Not one macronutrient is bad for you. They just need to be eaten in the right proportion. You can do a quick Internet search for a macronutrient calculator and begin tracking your intake on a simple app like My Fitness Pal. 4. It’s time to mix up your workout. The body is very efficient at adapting to repeat performances, so if you’ve been cycling the same workouts, creating variety in your fitness routine may be the spark your metabolism needs. Try lifting heavier weight, performing compound exercises that work multiple muscles at once, or swapping a few long cardio sessions for high intensity intervals. 5. You aren’t sleeping enough. Lack of sleep not only causes brain fog, it can cause cravings for excess carbohydrates, fat and sugar. Inadequate sleep also creates a rise in the stress hormone cortisol, which has been linked to belly fat. Climb in bed as early as possible, leaving sleep-disrupting phones and tablets out of the room. Instead, try reading under the covers with ambient light to help lull you into an earlier and longer night of rest. 6. You need to have more fun. A great way to counteract stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine is to add a big dose of laughter and fun into your life. Engaging in activities that bring you joy increases healthy hormones such as endorphins that can strengthen immunity and overall health. So, as important as it is to schedule a meeting and your workout, you must also schedule some regular fun. 7. You don’t actually need to lose weight. This is my favorite reason of all! When was the last time you looked at your body and just loved it in all its glory, despite your perception of its imperfections? In today’s heavily photo-edited world, we’ve lost sight of what a real body actually looks like. So, if you feel healthy, eat nutritious foods, exercise, sleep well, and have fun, take a moment of gratitude for your body and love it just the way it is. — Andrea Barkley, Fitness Expert and Author of Moan Out Loud Protein Shakes.          FITNESS WISE CHECK OUT OUR SUMMER DRINK AND FOOD DAILY SPECIALS FROZEN MARGARITAS, ICE COLD BEER TRY OUR FULL CATERING SERVICE CALL KATHY AT 602-300-7133 FOR CATERING OR RESERVATIONS 602-956-0178 | 4144 E. Indian School Rd. JOIN U S AND ENJOY ALL YOUR TEEPEE FAVORITE S! Summer Sizzles at Special Event: Spark Your Creativity Friday August 11 Join us for the grand finale of our summer dinner series, led by the artist, designer, and creativity expert, Carrie Bloomston. Author of “The Little Spark: 30 Ways to Ignite Your Creativity,” Bloomston’s been featured in “O” The Oprah Magazine and The Arizona Republic. Attendees will receive an autographed copy of Bloomston’s book, paired with J&G’s culinary countdown three-course menu, for $50++ per person. Visit jgsteakhousescottsdale.com/happenings to purchase your tickets & check out our other upcoming events!

33 AUGUST 2017 ARCAD A NEWS PLACES WE LIKE By Nick Smith If you drive by Grassroots Kitchen & Tap too fast, you might miss it. Tucked into the shopping center on the southeast corner of Camelback and 20 th Street, the restaurant is the second location in the Valley. The original was opened in north Scottsdale in 2011. Three years later, owner Christopher Collins decided to bring Grassroots to Phoenix. Collins grew up in the area, attending Brophy College Prep and working at Hillstone. His father, Wally Collins, ran Wally’s American Pub & Grill, a longtime iconic restaurant in the Arcadia area. Chris spent time in New Orleans in the years after Hurricane Katrina, helping to reopen Houston’s. His time in the South is evident in the Grassroots menu, which is described as classic Southern-influenced American cuisine. The doors of Grassroots swing open to a well-lit seating area, with windows allowing for natural light. Visitors’ eyes are immediately drawn to a circular bar, sitting in the direct center of the restaurant. Guests can grab a seat at one of the red chairs surrounding the bar, or they can head to one of the many tables. The unique sharing plates are a good way to start off the meal. There is a House-Made Smoked Salmon, spread over toast points with cherry & applewood. A fan favorite is the #1 Tuna Poke, with avocado, scallions, wontons and some jalapeño to give the dish a spicy edge. One shared plate that grabs a menu-reader’s attention immediately is the Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. The asparagus are larger than expected, and the prosciutto is grilled and drizzled with maple, with a good amount of salt layered on top. If guests choose a more laid-back soup and sandwich route as opposed to a fancier dinner, they won’t be sacrificing taste. The Cardiff Salad is a mixture of greens, cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado and radishes. The shrimp are poached and seasoned, and the dressing is tastes almost like a creamy tartar sauce. The corn gives it a sort of southwest feel, without being spicy. The sandwich offerings are as varied as you could ask for, with a Grilled Portobello sitting next to Smoked Brisket on the menu. The Angus Burger has all the makings of a classic American burger, with all of the usual components. Fresh lettuce, tomato, cheddar, onion, pickles and mustard. Sides options include Brother’s Tangy Slaw, Shoestring Potatoes, and a warm bowl of Pork Belly Baked Beans with brown sugar. This is every bit as sweet as it sounds, with the dish taking on a candy feel, and the end of the beans coming sooner than one might hope. A fancier dinner could end with a seafood plate or something from the entrée list. Standouts from the seafood menu include Southern Shrimp & Grits, Ahi Tuna Steak and the Almost Famous Pork Chop. Guests can choose to end the evening with one of the restaurants signature cocktails on the covered patio. GRASSROOTS KITCHEN & TAP 2119 E Camelback Rd, 85016 grassrootsaz.com N O R T H I TA L I A R E S TA U R A N T.C O M 40 T H + C A M E L B A C K 602.324.5600 WEEKDAYS 11A - 6P & ALL DAY SUNDAY