221 replies to this topic

[Treasure]

diet didnt affect acne with me

[shugar]

I didn't ever consider diet, until recently, when my doctor gave me a second rx for spironolactone. I've filled both .. but as with the first one, I haven't even used the second one.This drug causes the body to retain potassium, it can cause cardiac arrhythmias, in some cases these can be lethal. I started looking into all the potassium rich foods, so I could avoid them. Mind you many women have gone the spiro route with little problem and good results.

Have to admit, I am not trusting of doctors. My doc gave me this rx without much info on it. I've Googeled high and low. The info from the pharmacy said to not eat many bananas because of the high potassium, however I've read that the average white baked potato has even more. This same doctor gave me a sample of Vioxx for my neck aches.. the insert stated Vioxx could cause heart attacks! (And Vioxx was pulled later for causing heart attacks) Whoa.. heart attack vs neck ache.. gee, what could be worse..lol.... I work in a veterinary clinic and I do see side effects from medications that we dispense to our patients, sometimes making the existing problem nothing compared to the side effects of the meds given to treat it. I've become very wary when it comes to myself.......

So.. I started to evaluate my eating habits and diet. I've never had the cystic acne, it's always been lots of papules, clogged pores, throw in some rosacea. I can look at my bcp pack and time the next break out. I get about 3-4 clear days a month, the rest of the time I'm slathering on BP, irritating my already sensitive skin. I'll be 41 this August.. BP isn't exactly great on the skin as you get.. ahem.. older.

Three weeks ago, I decided I would give up sugar. When the sugar jar was empty, that's when I started. Having at least 3 cups of tea a day, each having 2 teaspoons, that adds up to almost 180 teaspoons of sugar ( in tea alone!) in one month. Not having that sugar blast first thing every morning made it really easier to not crave it.. I've read this before too and I believe it. Having a real sweet tooth for cookies, ice cream, chocolate bars, bags o' candy etc.. I simply don't have the cravings.. I thought this would never happen.

I stopped much of the bread, bagels, cereal bars that I had daily. Less carbs, not much sugar. I have more energy and feel that this mental brain fog I've had since I can't remember has lifted! I'm eating more veggies, some fruit, chicken or turkey. Taking the same vitamins and supplements I always have.

What I've experienced in the last 3 weeks.... I'm impressed! Less redness, only one minor breakout, skin is still clearing, less oil. My skin actually feels calm.
I'm still using the BP.. in preparation for whatever break out might hit.. coming up to day 9-10 on my bcp pills, my skin gets the worst break out... I've seen this time and time again in my diary entries. I haven't changed my skin care routine at all. Wash with water in morning ( my skin got so reactive trying different products.. this is all I am able to use) apply BP ( Solugel 4%)and Rosacure on select areas. PM, wash with water or Linda Sy's Oatmeal Cleanser (maybe every 3-4 nights) and BP on select areas.

So.... at this point in time, I am thrilled! Fingers crossed that this will work. While I would doubt that I will entirely clear, at least if I can lessen the degree of reaction, inflammation and breaking out, I'll be further ahead. I'll post back in a couple weeks with an update. I have been skeptical.. but now, I am starting to think there is an acne/diet connection

[j-girl]

I'm reading a book called the acne-free diet. There's a lot of studies quoted but I don't know if the suggestions will help me or not. I googled "acne-free diet" and there it was!

[cjb]

I didn't ever consider diet, until recently, when my doctor gave me a second rx for spironolactone. I've filled both .. but as with the first one, I haven't even used the second one.This drug causes the body to retain potassium, it can cause cardiac arrhythmias, in some cases these can be lethal. I started looking into all the potassium rich foods, so I could avoid them. Mind you many women have gone the spiro route with little problem and good results.

Have to admit, I am not trusting of doctors. My doc gave me this rx without much info on it. I've Googeled high and low. The info from the pharmacy said to not eat many bananas because of the high potassium, however I've read that the average white baked potato has even more. This same doctor gave me a sample of Vioxx for my neck aches.. the insert stated Vioxx could cause heart attacks! (And Vioxx was pulled later for causing heart attacks) Whoa.. heart attack vs neck ache.. gee, what could be worse..lol.... I work in a veterinary clinic and I do see side effects from medications that we dispense to our patients, sometimes making the existing problem nothing compared to the side effects of the meds given to treat it. I've become very wary when it comes to myself.......

So.. I started to evaluate my eating habits and diet. I've never had the cystic acne, it's always been lots of papules, clogged pores, throw in some rosacea. I can look at my bcp pack and time the next break out. I get about 3-4 clear days a month, the rest of the time I'm slathering on BP, irritating my already sensitive skin. I'll be 41 this August.. BP isn't exactly great on the skin as you get.. ahem.. older.

Three weeks ago, I decided I would give up sugar. When the sugar jar was empty, that's when I started. Having at least 3 cups of tea a day, each having 2 teaspoons, that adds up to almost 180 teaspoons of sugar ( in tea alone!) in one month. Not having that sugar blast first thing every morning made it really easier to not crave it.. I've read this before too and I believe it.  Having a real sweet tooth for cookies, ice cream, chocolate bars, bags o' candy etc..  I simply don't have the cravings.. I thought this would never happen.

I stopped much of the bread, bagels, cereal bars that I had daily. Less carbs, not much sugar. I have more energy and feel that this mental brain fog I've had since I can't remember has lifted!  I'm eating more veggies, some fruit, chicken or turkey. Taking the same vitamins and supplements I always have.

What I've experienced in the last 3 weeks.... I'm impressed! Less redness, only one minor breakout, skin is still clearing, less oil. My skin actually feels calm.
I'm still using the BP.. in preparation for whatever break out might hit.. coming up to day 9-10 on my bcp pills, my skin gets the worst break out... I've seen this time and time again in my diary entries.  I haven't changed my skin care routine at all. Wash with water in morning ( my skin got so reactive trying different products.. this is all I am able to use) apply BP ( Solugel 4%)and Rosacure on select areas. PM, wash with water or Linda Sy's Oatmeal Cleanser (maybe every 3-4 nights) and BP on select areas.

So.... at this point in time, I am thrilled! Fingers crossed that this will work. While I would doubt that I will entirely clear, at least if I can lessen the degree of reaction, inflammation and breaking out, I'll be further ahead. I'll post back in a couple weeks with an update.  I have been skeptical.. but now, I am starting to think there is an acne/diet connection 

I highly recommend you stop using all that stuff on your face. I'm 27 but my skin sounds similar to yours. I had mild acne, lots of clogged pores, and not rosacea per se, but my skin gets very red and inflamed very easily. I never used anything on my face except for a gentle face wash and some aloe vera before I got acne, but I also wore makeup. I tried bp when I got acne and whoa it irritated my skin. The best change I noticed in my skin was when I switched to mineral makeup. My skin calmed down SO much. I'm sure ingredients in the makeup were irritating it. Now I just wash with an all natural cleanser in the PM only and slather on jojoba oil. I just splash with water in the AM, and I use a liquid mineral makeup that is just minerals and emu oil. My skin looks much better for it. Even using all natural toners was too irritating. Keep experimenting with the diet thing. I was already a vegan, ate lots of veggies, little to no sugar, and I still got acne. But giving up wheat really made a big difference for me. I don't get any pimples now unless I consume unsprouted wheat. My skin also looks much better when I drink about 100 oz of water a day and don't drink coffee.
Good luck to ya.

[Wolfy]

The only food I'm at all confident negatively affects my acne is McVities half-covered chocolate digestive biscuits. Eating more than one or so seems to break me out.

I'm not entirely sure why- chocolate doesn't seem to otherwise, biscuits don't seem to either, but these do.

I wondered whether it was the insulin spike, but it's not clear, and other foods might be expected to be just as bad.

But I'm now wondering whether it's the hydrogenated vegetable oils. I did see somewhere that the recommended limit for hydrogenated oils was only about 1 or two of these biscuits.

[cjb]

The only food I'm at all confident negatively affects my acne is McVities half-covered chocolate digestive biscuits. Eating more than one or so seems to break me out.

I'm not entirely sure why- chocolate doesn't seem to otherwise, biscuits don't seem to either, but these do.

I wondered whether it was the insulin spike, but it's not clear, and other foods might be expected to be just as bad.

But I'm now wondering whether it's the hydrogenated vegetable oils. I did see somewhere that the recommended limit for hydrogenated oils was only about 1 or two of these biscuits.

The recommended limit for hydrogenated oils is none.

[Maggie555]

My diet has never directly affecte my acne, but indirectly it has. I don't believe there is one (or several) food items that makes me break out. But a healthy diet leads to an overall healthy body and immune system, and I do believe that that can affect acne.
I recommend a book called "Eat to live" by Dr. Fuhrmann. It's only secondarily a weight-loss-type diet book. Mostly it explains how the body digests different kinds of foods, and why some foods are beneficial, and others detrimental. The diet allows some of everything - in moderation. In particular, it recommends a diet based mostly on raw and cooked vegetables and fruit and legumes, limited starches (unrefined starches/carbohydrates are okay), and little animal-derived foods.
I'm not sticking closely to this diet, but the arguments layed out in the book make sense to me, and I'm living off a mostly vegan diet now. Also, I try to eat a lot of raw foods. For those who like dairy products, I believe raw dairy is way better for you than pasturized dairy. If you're interested, google 'raw milk' and read up on the topic.
On this diet, my allergies have improved a lot (and I'm talking pollen and dust mite allergies, not food allergies), my acne is better (though not gone) and I feel overall better. When I pig out for a week or so (lots of going out for dinner and eating whatever is there) I notice that my skin gets worse. But it takes more than just a meal.
Hope this helps someone.

[shugar]

Well, lets see. It's been about 3 weeks since my last post. Skin right now is the pits! Very oily. It's not red but nicely broken out with some real stubborn zits, the clogged pore thing is going on. The humidity and heat here lately aren't helping either.

I'm not sure if there is a dairy/acne connection with my skin, but I did bump up the yogurt and cottage cheese to at least once a day, 5-6 times a week. Which is a lot more than I normally have. Also landed a nice sinus infection too

And discovered that kamut is about the same as wheat. So, as of yesterday, no dairy, no wheat. I saw something in the freezer section at the grocery store today, it was supposed to be bread and for $7.00, it was pretty much a wheat/gluten free block of ice. I would like something that resembles bread, I need something to put my nut butter on ( I would be so happy )

Otherwise.... still feel great, my clothes fit better. I have lost 10 lbs.. that I wasn't expecting to lose.... nice added bonus. I'm getting more sleep, on the 'puter less and feeling like I have more control in my life.

Onward through the fog..lol...

Thanks for the comments cjb! I think I really need to use that bp, until this clears up a bit more. Do you know of any good wheat/gluten free breads???

[igotmyphilosophy]

And discovered that kamut is about the same as wheat. So, as of yesterday, no dairy, no wheat. I saw something in the freezer section at the grocery store today, it was supposed to be bread and for $7.00, it was pretty much a wheat/gluten free block of ice. I would like something that resembles bread, I need something to put my nut butter on ( I would be so happy    )

ah yes, iced faux-bread, a rare delicacy, non?

[shugar]

"ah yes, iced faux-bread, a rare delicacy, non?"


Les ha ha!

I should check the expiry date, the stuff was probably made 10 years ago

[cjb]

Wheat breaks me out, but I do okay with the Ezekial sprouted wheat bread. Watch out because there are some other brands of sprouted bread, but they add wheat gluten or flour. I have cleared myself by eliminating wheat, but the ezekial sprouted stuff is no problem for me, and I think its really good. It's about $3.

[shugar]

Wheat breaks me out, but I do okay with the Ezekial sprouted wheat bread.  Watch out because there are some other brands of sprouted bread, but they add wheat gluten or flour.  I have cleared myself by eliminating wheat, but the ezekial sprouted stuff is no problem for me, and I think its really good.  It's about $3.

Thanks for that cjb! I'll keep a look out for it.

[moani20]

For years I refused to believe that food and acne had a connection...and nothing seemed to aggravate my skin throughout my teenage years except excessive amounts of sun.
But I guess the older you get and the more your body changes sensitivities increase. My love for chocolate and milk (or food period) had me ignoring them as a factor to my acne.
I tend to breakout during the summer or when I go to tanning beds but normally I'm pretty clear, anyway this summer my breakout was horrible! So I was forced to stop dairy and wheat (although I do squeeze them in when i can). I guess you could say that I've seen a little difference, it's just that dropping these two main ingredients out of my diet makes me loose waay to much weight. I like being thick!!! I don't wanna be skinny, but with the BC and monitoring my food intake I can't manage to gain any weight unless it's WATER!
So, unless these food sensitivities just sprung on me this summer than DANG, it's a toss up have some pimples or have a body.....o well I'll live!
Don't forget to praise the Lord through your struggle you'll find peace.
Isaiah 55:11, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

[baggy]

Hi - i agree with cameron also. I have changed my diet since February and my skin has improved - to the point that i can now leave the house without using foundation.

i simply eat lots of oily fish [salmon, sardines and tuna], chicken and turkey, lots of green leafy vegetables, lots of salad and lots of fruit. Nuts [brazil nuts are excellent for the skin as they contain selenium which is essential for cell re-growth], cashew nuts and seeds such as pumkin seeds [they contain zinc which heals]. I snack on dried prunes and apricots.

I also take vitamin supplements such as zinc and flaxseed oil daily.

At the end of the day, I enjoy all of the above food and this makes eating healthy food easy - it is not difficult to eat out as most restarants serve fish and white meat - even the occasional steak is good for you as it contains B vitamins, and you can have any of the above with either veggies or salad.

I also drink at least 1.5 Litres of water [sometimes with freshly squeezed lemon jucie] a day

I still get acne but it does not last long and that washing with a sensitive cleanser [harsh products leads to over-oiling] and applying a topical cream [sudocrem works best for me] but it is no way near as bad as it was before i changed my diet.

I will hasten to add that if you are considering changing your diet - remember that for a while your skin will break out - you body is de-toxifying in a way and your skin is the most vulnerable - patience and perseverence will prevail with this method.......

[FairyDust]

I have to share my experience. I believe that our diet has a lot to do with our acne. I believe it depends on how strictly you follow the diet. I used to believe magazines that said that food causing acne was a myth. Not anymore. I bought the book "The Acne Prescription" by Dr. Perricone. I read it and started the 3 day diet.

Let me give you a bit of what I had before. My back had nodules and cysts that I'd feel the soreness sitting back on a chair. My face was growing fast with cysts, postules and nodules. (I'll explain why later from my observation). From following the diet, my back cleared up COMPLETELY. It was smooth as ever, the only thing left were the red scars which obviously takes time to go away, but I had nothing on my back. My face took awhile to take notice. I have no idea why, but eventually my skin cleared up smooth, and it had the nicest glow that I wanted to have forever. I wasn't embarrassed at all to show my face because of it's beautiful glow.

I sort of follow this diet to this day, but not as strict because buying organic, and living with a family member that doesn't eat any of the healthy stuff (picky eater). It's a tough environment. It's expensive.

There were about 3 christmas times that I took a real test to see if cakes and sugars ever did anything bad to my skin. I did it on purpose without admitting it to my mother who was warning me how it'd mess my skin up. Well, eating fruit-cakes and egg nogs for a week in a row..I would develop the most horrible nodules on my chin and jaw. It looks soooooooo disgusting. I mean the yellow part was not a pimple like shape, it was wide, sometimes I'd have up to 3 yellow dots in a red spot. It's so gross to me. Last Christmas I did this, I was so embarrassed at work, avoiding this cute guy from looking at me. I mean, people DID notice my gross difference, but it cleared up after I stopped the Christmas experiment.

I DO DO DO believe that diet can have a major impact on your acne and appearance of your skin. The thing is that we have to follow a balanced diet. That means, including FRUITS and VEGETABLES which many people do not mention to include. Those foods have irreversible benefits that fights off bad radicals and have antioxidants.

I can't stress enough the on and off experiment I did with my diet that showed clearly how what I ate affected my acne, and the appearance of my skin.

It irritates me when people mention that just because there are not enough studies out there about food and acne, but who the hell cares? I have read "The Acne Prescription," I have read, so far two articles mentioning a study done. We read so much in the news about how many time-wasters do studies on how exercise keeps your heart healthy. How the heck do we not know that already? I am serious, I still read articles done by groups about exercise and healthy heart. Give me a break. Who hasn't heard that since a zillion years ago? Now, there's cancer. I know there are cures to this. Changing your diets can make a difference, herbal remedies, etc. research research...it's out there.

I'll share with that I wish I never started on antibiotics. Why? because in just 6 months, I'd start breaking out again. Big deal? Yes, the acne are different (worse) than I used to have before each time (3 times tried). I believe the reason to be is that once the antibiotic wears off, the P. Acne multiplies at a ridiculous rate causing those terrible acnes I have. One doctor recommended 6 months on it. Is he crazy? I cried when he said he couldn't recommend anything else, not even Accutane. I didn't go on it.

I won't try Accutane. I have seen some good and bad reviews. I am not desperate to go on it.

I think that this is America, and it will be America...covering whatever facts there is truth to to get money for Corporate Drug Companies. I don't have a doubt. I don't need studies. The studies they show are so weak that I don't get how they cannot do a thorough study on acne.

The Dr. Shamban from Extreme Makeover who did the skin care routines on people recommended NO scrubbing (I find acne popping up after using scrubs), NO fried foods, NO Chocolates--no matter what.

I'd go organic once I become independent. I am trying to lay off eating desserts too much, but I love it too much.

Also, I have recently read on two sites and a book I have that acne is a problem with our digestive system. It basically says that the grease in foods we eat aren't normally processed in our GI tract, so it finds a way out through acne erruptions. Basically what it means is that some of us may lack something in our GI tract or don't have enough of something to process it to rid of foods properly. I read of someone who ate yogurt and now uses supplements of acidophilus to keep her skin clear.

The secret is hard to find, but it's not hard to believe that doctors will do anything to keep their patients coming to their office. Many are ignorants.

[pinky_shushu]

I would like to add that I also believe the in the diet/acne connection from personal experience. I am 31yo and have had moderate acne on and off since I was about 13yo. BCP Diane ED has helped somewhat but only prevents me from having full-blown out nodular acne, I think. I have had problem skin on my back and chest as well as face and neck.

About 3mths ago I started reading alot about diet and health, detoxing, liver function, digestive processes etc from various different sources, and experimenting with my diet.

I started eating more *fresh* fruit and veges (not processed or canned or anything), less red meat, and only organic where possible. I saw some mild improvements. Then I cut out alcohol for 5 wks and saw a significant improvement, particularly with my back acne, which returned the week I had a few wines again. I started taking raw, unprocessed Apple Cider Vinegar (2 teaspoons mixed with 2 teaspoons of organic honey in water 3 times a day - Bragg's ACV), and also saw significant improvements. I'm now 1 week into a 15 day detox - no meat, no alcohol, no sugar, no dairy (cow's produce contains casein protein which is terrible for humans to digest, although goat's produce is OK), no caffiene (terrible for the body), lots of fruit and veg, nuts, legumes, muesli, and a bit of fish - also fresh, not tinned - no salt, although sea salt is OK, and enough water (preferably clean mineral water, not tap). In only a few days I have seen fantastic results in my skin. I have no more inflamed zits anywhere, only disappearing, healing ones. The particular 15 day detox I'm using is an australian brand with herbal supplements taken at each meal, but there are similar varieties all over the world. If you're going to try it do your homework to make sure the company making it is reputable.

I'm convinced that a sluggish liver plays a big role in creating acne. Although not everyone with a sluggish liver develops acne, other people develop other symptoms, allergies, muscle pain, headaches, obesity, diabetes, cancer, whatever. I'm totally convinced that diet plays a role in about 80% of chronic health problems. The traditional western diet stinks. Too much meat protein and the 'unhealthy' fats. There have been very good epidemiological studies showing that eastern cultures moving towards a more western diet are starting to show a higher prevalence of western diseases that weren't previously an issue.

After my detox, I will still eat and drink "the naughties", but I will be sooooo selective about when and where, and it will won't be frequently - especially alcohol, anything that contributes to birth defects must be evil. It's not just about my skin anymore, it's about my whole health. I don't want to develop cancer in 10yrs time, i want to see my children's children grow up. In fact, I am now thankful that I am someone who develops acne (never thought I'd say that!) because it I can *see* that something's not right inside. It's my signpost system that says 'Katy, you aren't eating right!' I plan to do a proper 2wk detox twice a year for the rest of my life, as well as eating as healthily as I can in between. Doesn't it make sense that if we put substandard food into our body, that our health will be substandard?! Just exactly how each person develops substandard health is up to each unique body - it just so happens that for people on this forum, acne is one of the issues caused.

Anyway, I am very pleased that I have solved my acne puzzle that I've struggled with over the past 18yrs. And there is no magic pill to make it go away forever ~ just sensible, logical healthy living. It takes determination and committment, which some people either aren't ready for or just aren't interested in, but for the rest, the answer is there.

Kind Regards,
Pinky

[Snowy]

I am interested in cutting out wheat from my diet so does that mean all pasta, bread etc have to be cut out?

[jazmella]

"Doesn't it make sense that if we put substandard food into our body, that our health will be substandard?!" - pinky_shushu

You hit the nail right on the head!

As much as it pains me to say it, I too am rather thankful I have acne...It's an external warning sign that something isn't quite right internally.

I definitely, definitely, DEFINITELY notice a huge acne-diet relation. The worse I eat, the worse I feel/the worse my skin looks. Infact, I allowed myself to eat crappy these past few weeks, and am suffering greatly for it. Was all that junkfood worth it? Heck no. I not only gained weight, but my face looks a MESS! Plus, to top everything off, I became sick. I don't get sick! I haven't been sick in over 4 years after having turned vegan! Then I allow myself to eat junk and I have to pay the consequences.

I shall be embarking on a detox, tomorrow. I expect my skin to continue breaking out for a little while whilst my body rids itself of the toxins. But I figure, I already look bad, so what the hay!

=\

[Macca]

I think you're pretty much bang on pinky! Diet can definitely be a factor in acne.

I am a 32yo sufferer, and had severe cystic acne which started when I was about 17yo. All the doctors insisted that diet has no effect on my skin, and I went through 3 courses of Roaccutane, surgical excision, antibiotics and cortisone injections directly into my face to try and stop it, but it kept coming back.

Eventually, when I hit about 23, I became completely disillusioned with medical science and was ready to try anything, and so went on a strict vegetarian diet, cutting out all fats, sugars, stimulants (eg coffee), and dairy. Miraculously, my skin started to clear immediately, and was fine within a month!!!

I've done a lot of experimentation and reading since, and have concluded that people with a genetic predisposition to oily skin will get acne whenever they "stress" their body. Stress can come in many forms, including pshychological and physical. Your body's ability to correctly digest food will determine what food causes your body "stress", in the form of an impropper immune response or reaction to a particular food. This can happened as a result of continually eating a food when the intestines were over-stressed resulting in an food alergy, or from consuming foods containing chemicals like pesticides or hormones that the body reacts to. Some people have better digestive systems than others, and so do not have such adverse reactions to foods.

For instance, many younger people are developing a food alergy to peanuts, because traces of peanuts are now in virtually everything, and so their bodies are being bombarded with peanuts before the intestines have developed properly to handle it, so their bodies start seeing peanut as a toxin and going into a "stress" reaction. A similar thing happens with the glutens found predominantly in wheat, which is why some people must avoid wheat. Of course the severity of the reaction can range from mild to severe from person to person.

Also, many people in this thread have reported dairy as one to avoid, and this is not surprising because it is loaded with hormones added by farmers to increase yield, it contains pesticides eated by the cows and transferred to the milk, has compounds like lactose which the human body has trouble breaking down, and is very high in calories, itself promoting a testosterone boost!!

Of course stress is not the only cause of acne, there are hormonal and environmental factors too.

However, if you read through all the emails in this thread (like I have!) you'll see that people had outbreaks when they stressed their bodies, although it differered greatly from one person to the next, often in completely opposite ways. For some people, diet plays virtually no part directly in their acne because it is primarily a hormonal imbalance or overly-oily skin that is to blame, and their digestive systems can handle whatever is thrown at it. Others have developed alergies to one or a number of foods, and so must be careful to avoid these foods. Eventually, the body may become less sensitive to them.

So, to wrap up this little story, I now have a very healthy diet, and still avoid stimulants, saturated fats and dairy because they were the worst offenders for me. However, if I'm on holiday and so am not stressed, I find I can get away with the occasional chocolate bar or whatever.

For all of you wondering if diet plays a part, definitely, definitely try it! Be strict for a month, and if it looks like its working, reintroduce foods one by one until you work out whats OK and whats not. Don't listen to the doctors, find what works for YOU!

[David A]

I was a lifelong veggie who never thought she'd eat meat until I met an amazing (and well known in NYC where I live) nutritionist/therapist who urged me to introduce organic animal products to my diet and cut out as many grains as possible.  This was my personal prescription for the problems I had which were: I'd gained 20 lbs. ACNE, and depression.  I immediately lost weight and my acne improved.  I reccomend the site beyondveg.org and Nourishing Traditions by Fallon.  I've reformed the way I think about eating meat and I now see it as a multigenerational task towards a more conscious diet, not just me avoiding meat.  Anyway,  here's some of what I do now:
-avoid all cow dairy except organic butter
-eat goat dairy
-eat organic (and free farmed) fish and poultry (a small amount almost everyday)
-try to eat a bit of red/organ meats once a month (still hard for me)
-eat free range/grass fed eggs (quite a few)
-lots of veggies, lots of salads (no raw spinach or broccoli)
-fruits with goat yogurt is breakfast usually
-grains only once a day as no more than %20 of meal and NO WHEAT
-try to prepare meal yourself to have control over contents
-absolutely no trans fats (very cancer/inflamation causing)

peace

no raw spinach or broccoli????....ive been doing that for years..can someone explain