Hello everyone, I'm new to these forums! I started down the raw path in January this year.

I went vegetarian just over 4 years ago for animals, then vegan within months after reading Singer's Animal Liberation. My username is Gandhi2Gary because I am very much interested in vegan ethics in the non-violent, multi-dimensional approach of Gandhi, as well as the contemporary abolitionist animal rights theory expounded by Prof. Gary Francione. The China Study got me interested in nutrition and improving my health, and after a lot of ruminating and reading I decided to make a new year's resolution to give raw a go... I've always been quite susceptible to hayfever and colds and haven't had any this year! Such a relief! I've also lost a little weight and feel more comfortable - it's not an obvious change as I've always been moderately active and of thin-to-average build, but it's a change I'm happy with nonetheless! My husband went vegetarian and vegan with me, which makes life easy. He's quite sceptical of a lot of raw literature having come from a scientific background, but he's coming around nonetheless, given the obvious results. It's actually quite handy as he keeps up with incomprehensible research papers being released, particularly current research into B-12.

I'm a fan of Ani Phyo's Raw Food Kitchen, but prefer a lower fat approach, especially since reading a Victoria Boutenko book and 80/10/10. Currently my diet averages out at around 70% raw, the only dehydrated food I eat is raw bread. I hope to raise this close to 90%+ by the end of the year... by which time it will be summer and a tad easier than it is right now! I love green smoothies and I'm learning to love salads and fruits, which is something I rarely ate growing up. I've also recently been moving more towards "natural" skincare/personal care and household cleaning products - I'm starting to use ev coconut oil, essential oils, vinegar, and lemons for nearly everything!

I have a few questions that some of you can probably help me with... I live in Brisbane and get my fruit and veg at the Northey St organic markets and other odds and ends from health stores, Mrs Flannery's, and general supermarkets... Are there any other handy local places you can recommend? Also: any cheaper places around?

Also, I'll be moving soon to northern NSW.  I do plan to start my own garden for greens and herbs, but it could take a while to establish. Can anyone tell me where I can get organic produce and other raw supplies (eg. seeds, nuts, etc) on the Gold Coast or around Murwillumbah-ish areas?

Also: extra virgin coconut oil - I'm using it as a cleanser/moisturiser, but I'm not sure of the best way to go about it... Apply to wet skin? Wipe it off with a wet cloth? Damp cloth? Dry towel off? Just leave it to soak in? Any tips would be appreciated! Any pimple treatments as well, as I tend to have "stress" related breakouts, and tea tree oil seems a bit too harsh for me...

Thanks so much. I'm so happy to find a friendly, Australian-based raw forum! Now all I need is a spiraliser and my life will be complete...

Fresh Whole Foods in Murwillumbah, is pretty good.  Giovanni will look after you.  There are lots of organic farms around that area, I think they have a farmers' market every Saturday at Uki.......ask around, the local will know. 

I use the raw coconut oil from this site. I have tried five different brands and the raw pleasure one is the best ever. Gorgeous for skin care and tastes fantastic too.

I use it as a cleanser – I rub a small amount between palms and rub into my dry face. Then using a warm damp cotton wool pad I wipe it off – it takes off an amazing amount of dirt and grime. I don’t use toner; I just get under the shower or use a face cloth to remove any last traces of oil or dirt.

Another trick I got off this site months ago, which is fantastic is........in the morning after doing the "I rub a small amount between palms and rub into my dry face. Then using a warm damp cotton wool pad I wipe it off" bit, I then rub some more into my face and leave it a few minutes, I then wash it off under the shower. It makes your skin really soft.

I also use it after a shower as an all over body moisturiser.

Jojoba oil is excellent for cleansing & moisturising too. I also use a shop brought moisturiser that is mentioned in a locked post on the other site. I only use it in the morning, as found it protects my face from harsh cold wind and evens out my skin tone too.

From this rountine and consuming lots of vegetable juice, my skin has never looked better.

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