It's not easy being GREEN...

The other day I read about some research that I found really fascinating. Basically, the researcher, who is a strong believer in alternative medicine, said that one of the single biggest reasons that people get sick is because their bodies pH (potential for hydrogen) balance is too acidic. Basically, the article said that our bodies pH balance should either be neutral (7) or slight alkaline (slightly above 7).

pH balances in the body are influenced by what is put in the body in the way of food. For example foods/beverages like breads, soft drinks, coffee, meats, rice and sugar are all very strong acid forming foods. Strong alkaline forming foods are mostly in the fresh fruit and vegetable category. One of the strongest alkaline forming foods is ASPARAGUS, which is one of my favorite vegetables. Asparagus is considered to be the one food that will immediately change your body's pH for the better. It is recommended that we eat 80% of our foods from the strong alkaline forming category. I thought this was very interesting, and it really coincides with the diet that I have been following, as far as what foods to avoid for optimum health.

My favorite way to cook ASPARAGUS is simply to roast it at a high temperature (400 - 450 degrees) for about 10 minutes or so. I drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, add a small amount of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, and roast until it is tender and juicy. Now that I know the immense health benefits of asparagus, I will make certain I have it more often.

Keeping with the GREEN theme of tonight's post, I wanted to talk about one of my favorite musicals of all time....."WICKED." I discovered this musical last summer and immediately fell in love with the soundtrack. "Wicked" is the story of the witches from the "Wizard of Oz"...from their perspective. We see how Glinda and Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West) meet and follow their relationship from school girls through the point where Dorothy leaves Oz. The music is fantastic, and the story is really beautiful and touching with a very important message.

Keith and I saw "Wicked" last November at the Hobby Center and it was brilliant. It is coming back to Houston in 2007, and I can't wait to see it again. If you in any way are interested in musicals, do yourself a favor and pick up the "Wicked" soundtrack. I promise you won't be disappointed. Idina Menzel, the original Elphaba on Broadway, and Kristen Chenowith, the original Glinda, are made for these roles and their performances are world class. In fact, both were nominated for Tony Awards...and Idina actually won the award for Best Actress in a Musical.

Keith made fun of my obsession with this show...he compared me to a 14 year old girl! HA! Then, after he saw it live, he knew why I loved it so much. I think I even saw him get choked up during a real tear jerker moment in the show. I pretended not to see it. LOL!

...And as Elphaba says in the show...."If you can't find me, look to the western sky. As someone told me lately, everyone deserves the chance to FLY!"

Later, peeps.