Re: starches, grains, carbs, protein, what are they... important

Starch is a complex carbohydrate found in foods such as potatoes (as you mentioned), corn, rice and wheat (and wheat products such as pasta and bread). Other food items containing starch are arracacha, buckwheat, banana, barley, cassava, kudzu, oca, sago, sorghum, sweet potato, taro and yams. Edible beans, such as favas, lentils and peas, are also rich in starch.

These complex carbohydrates take longer for the body to digest, hence thay are best carbohydrate source for slow-release energy, though food intolerances to any of the above foods (especially wheat flour) can be a trigger for acne. Eat complex carbs in moderation though. Quick release carbohydrates should definately be avoided, if not removed entirely from your diet. They hold no nutritional benefit to the human body and create blood-sugar fluctuations which increase insulin production and potentially Acne too. These include the obvious food types (cakes, sweets, pastries etc...anything containg refined White Sugar )

Wholegrains are very beneficial with their high fibre content, which maintains an efficient digestive system and good overall health. A diet lacking in fibre can lead to digestive problems and constipation, meaning waste is not bveing removed from the body properly and toxins are re-absorbed into the body through the gut lining. It is said that you should have a bowel movement after each meal (minimum 3 per day) if your bowels are functioning normally. Vegetables are of course a great source of fibre, as are beans and pulses.

Protein is needed for growth and repair of tissues so by eating a variety of plant foods such as whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat, barley, rye, buckwheat, millet etc.), legumes (dried beans and peas), nuts, seeds and vegetables, you will be consuming an adequate amount of protein for your body's needs. Tofu, texturized vegetable protein, and tempeh are soy bean products that contain a concentrated amount of protein. I'm not aware of the benefits for Acne from reducing protein but I am aware that protein is generally over-consumed in Western society, especially through the over eating of meat and animal products. Perhaps others here have different views on this?

You sound like you're on track to better health anyway with cutting out sugars and bad oils (especially heated oils) though make sure you consume plenty of 'good' oils such as olive and hemp, which keep skin sufficiently hydrated and prevent the over-production of sebum which will lead to acne. Also, plenty of water to flush out toxins!!

I am now on a predominately raw vegetarian diet and my skin is getting better and better as the weeks go by. I have the odd slip-ups (teething troubles as I adjust to this new way of eating) but the pimples I get are fewer and clear up much more quickly without scarring, and my dry skin problem is gone since using hemp salve as a moisturiser, along with oil pulling and consuming hemp oil each day. I also have a very natural 'glow' about me now which has been commented on by many!

Good luck on your mission to better health!

Amber :)