A soothing, warming and nourishing soup is such a treat and takes the bite out of chilli winter nights. This recipe ticks all boxes, and is a staple dinner for me! You will want to make this one over and over again.

As a naturopath I often come across patients who are unable to tolerate bone broth due to high amines which are created when bones/meat are cooked for a long period of time or due to their choice of being vegan. This prompted me to create a vegan pho recipe which was rich in flavour as well as collagen boosting nutrients in addition to being low on the Glycaemic Index scale. The vegetable broth has a beautiful sweet overtone from the cinnamon and star anise, which when combined with the texture of the shitake and saltiness of the tempeh becomes a sensual delight.

The skin plumping properties of this pho recipe come from a few of the key ingredients which I describe briefly below. If you are going to alter this recipe be sure to keep these skin loving foods in the soup!

• Tempeh Fermented soy products (such as natto and tempeh) are not tarnished with the same brush as their non-fermented soy counterparts. This is because fermentation changes the structure of soy such that its nutrient and anti-oxidant value is enhanced, and nutrient blocking minerals such as phytic acid are reduced. The presence of genestein, a natural plant hormone in tempeh enhances the production of collagen which gives skin its strength and elasticity.
• Cabbage Cabbage is one of the most well known foods containing collagen boosting nutrients.  The presence of antioxidants and phytonutrients like lutenin, thiocyanates, zeaxanthin and sulforaphane boost skin hydration and elasticity.
• Carrots Carrots and all root vegetables are a wonderful source of beta carotene, the precursor to Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to increase collagen production and slows the breakdown of collagen and elastin that causes skin ageing.
• Red Capsicum Red capsicum is rich in vitamin C which is critical for the synthesis of collagen.

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

• 6 cups of vegetable broth
• 2 onions, peeled and halved
• 4-5 whole carrots, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, peel on and smashed
• 2-3 whole cinnamon sticks
• 1 star anise
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos or tamari

Toppings:

• 1 cup tempeh, sliced into thin strips
• 1 cup sautéed shitake mushrooms
• 1/2 leek finely chopped
• 500 grams zucchini, spiralised or 1 packet of Shiritaki noodles
• 1/2 red capsicum, julienned
• 1/2 Chinese cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 4 shallots, chopped finely
• ½ cup chopped coriander
• ½ cup Thai basil leaves

Directions

1. In a large stock pot, add in vegetable broth, onion, carrots, garlic cloves, cinnamon sticks and coconut aminos (or tamari).
2. Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and let broth simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Prepare your toppings. Sauté the leek, mushrooms and tempeh in a small amount of oil and season with tamari, coconut aminos or just Himalayan salt.
4. Roughly chop the fresh herbs.
5. If using shirataki noodles, place in hot water according to packet instructions. If using zucchini, place zucchini into sprialiser and spiralise into noodles. Set aside.
6. Strain the broth and discard the solids. Return the broth to the stove to keep warm.
7. In four soup bowls, prepare each serving by adding in zucchini (or shirataki) noodles to the bottom.
8. Top with pho broth and add in tempeh/mushroom mix.
9. Top each bowl with desired amount of herbs, vegetables, and coconut aminos or tamari and roasted cashews or peanuts  (optional).
10. Serve immediately.

There are not many things that you can do which will transform your skin in the space of 20 minutes.  Our & Coco Bliss Intensive Repair, & Snowflower Illuminating Face Oil and & Gold Rush Eye Balm do a great  job overnight but our Bloom of Youth Infusion Mask falls into a class of its own – we call it Express Beauty. In my view, masks are essential if you are flying often, prone to waking up with skin that leaves a lot to be desired, lead an active social life, work long hours, eat foods or drink alcohol which may make your skin look inflamed or if you are basically living in the 21^st Century!

 We love sheet masks (especially edible ones) because they provide:

1.      Deep Penetration = Therapeutic Efficacy.  Sheet masks form an occlusive barrier on the skin which allows highly concentrated active ingredients (found in the mask serum) to penetrate the skin and work more effectively than they if you were to just be using a serum or an oil with botanical actives. This is the main reason why a sheet mask works so quickly and efficiently to transform the skin and is one step above serums and oil in terms of their therapeutic efficacy.

2.      Edible Ingredients. Given the ingredients of your sheet mask are going to penetrate more deeply into your skin, you want to be sure that they are safe, and preferable edible. The ingredients in your mask liquid have very small particles designed to get deeper into your skin cell layers which makes it even more imperative that your mask is pure as it can be. Look out for common ingredients such as PEGs, preservatives including parabens and phenoxyethanol and mask fibres such as plastic and hydrogels which may be also laden with chemicals.  The Bloom of Youth Infusion Mask uses fermented radish root as a natural preservative.

3.      Anti-Ageing & Brightening Action. Sheet masks are a real treat when it comes to firming, plumping, reducing fine lines and brightening the skin. Our Bloom of Youth Infusion mask contains Hyaluronic Acid to plump and firm, Aloe Vera to hydrate and soothe, along with an incredible Ayurvedic botanical called Swertia Chirata. This proprietary extract has been clinically proven to reduce fine lines in seven days. It works by reducing the loss of keratinocytes. These are cells in the skin which are responsible for producing keratin which keeps the skin firm and strong. This extract works particularly well on fine lines across the mouth and around the eyes. The brightening fruits in our sheet mask include Finger Lime Caviar, Bilberry and Pomegranate, ingredients which are rich in vitamin C and therefore work to reduce pigmentation, illuminate and enhance collagen production.

4.      100% Bamboo Sheet. Bamboo is a brilliant material for sheet masks as it is naturally rich in silica which helps to firm and strengthen the skin. Look out for sheet masks made out of low grade cotton, gel fibres or unnatural materials which may not be the ideal material to have on your skin.

5.      Quick, Easy & Travel Friendly. If you are having trouble getting to a salon every week to have a treatment, sheet masks may be your skin saviour. They take just 20 minutes to use, can be thrown into your hand luggage and can be used whilst on an aeroplane  (just keep your head down!), in front of your computer desk (you may need a few extras to share) or just before dozing off to sleep (pop an alarm clock on so you don't dose off).  

This is a hearty salad which is very easy to prepare and combines several liver-loving and skin-loving ingredients. I am not sure about you, but I love my salads with a bit of crunch which this salad is not short on! The texture of the salad with the kale, carrot and walnuts makes it a delight to eat.

Refer to our Inside Out Beauty E-Book for more delicious skin loving recipes and more information on our 30 Day Beauty Challenge.

• Kale is an extraordinary vegetable and among the most nutrient dense of all foods. It is an abundant source of calcium, lutein, iron, and Vitamins A, C, and K. Kale has seven times the beta-carotene of broccoli and ten times more lutein.
• Red Cabbage is rich in skin loving phytochemicals, fibre and beta carotene which gives it its red hue. Studies have shown that eating foods from the cruciferous family such as cabbage, and kale speeds the liver’s ability to detoxify ingested toxins.
• Walnuts are one of the most beneficial nuts to eat for the skin as they have a high level of Omega 3s relative to Omega 6s. This means they provide more beauty benefits- strengthening the membranes of your skin cells, locking in moisture and nutrients that keep it plump and glowing.

• 1/4 medium red cabbage or ½ small red cabbage -Detox Essential
• 1 bunch kale, de-stemmed - Detox Essential
• 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
• 1 carrot grated
• 1/4 of a cup of chopped walnuts - Essential Fatty Acid

• 1 clove of fresh garlic -Collagen-Boosting Food
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil - Essential Fatty Acid
• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder - Detox Essential
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup chickpeas, optional -  Collagen-Boosting Food

• Finely chop red cabbage. Chiffonade the kale into very thin ribbons. Sprinkle cabbage and kale with salt and one tablespoon of olive oil. Massage well for a few minutes, to soften. The mixture should take on a “cooked”, broken-down appearance. Add carrots and walnuts.
• To make dressing combine all ingredients in blender until creamy. Pour on to salad. Let sit for an hour, stirring once or twice. Add chickpeas at the end if desired. This will keep for two days and should be enough for two meals.

• If you have difficulty finely chopping cabbage pop it into a blender very quickly!
• De-stemming and massaging your kale with a bit of salt makes it more absorbable.
• To boost your nutrient uptake from your nuts, try to soak them in a jar of filtered water with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar overnight. Discard the water in the morning, rinse the nuts and leave in a glass jar in your fridge.

• Fine lines or wrinkles;
• Skin that is sagging or losing its elasticity;
• Pigmentation or dark spots on the skin; and/or
• Sun damage or high levels of exposure to the sun.

• Plump and firm;
• Reduce pigmentation and dark ageing spots;
• Protect the skin against sun damage and reverse damage of skin that has already been damaged; and
• Boost skin collagen and elasticity.

• Dry, flaky skin;
• Sensitive skin or a tendency towards eczema, redness or rosacea;
• Dull or lack lustre skin; and/or
• Pigmentation or dark spots on the skin.

• Deeply nourish and hydrate;
• Calm and soothe the skin, reducing redness and inflammation;
• Brighten the skin and provide it with a natural radiant glow; 
• Eliminate pigmentation and dark spots.

• Always apply a face oil or serum after cleansing and toning to ensure the particles are deeply penetrating the skin for maximum absorption and efficacy;
• Ensure you are exfoliating the skin at least once or twice a week such that the active ingredients in your serum and oil are allowed to penetrate the skin and do not sit on the skin surface;
• If you are using both a serum and an oil, be sure to apply the serum first.
• Blend your face oil into your foundation if you are feeling it is not gliding on properly
• Use your face oil under your eyes for additional brightening of dark circles
• Pop your serum onto your lips for a natural plumping effect! The hyaluronic acid attracts 1,000 times its weight in water – who needs botox.

• Kakadu Plum is a wildcrafted Australian ingredient which contains a huge punch of vitamin C. It contains the world’s highest level of vitamin C, which helps to protect and support the skin cells, reduces inflammation, strengthens, and lessens hyper-pigmentation. The added benefits of Ellagic acid and Gallic acid in the Kakadu Plum encourage collagen production and skin repair and help reduce inflammation, making the Kakadu Plum a star anti-ageing ingredient.
• Eldeweiss is an anti-ageing botanical superstar, helping to protect and reverse the effects of sun damage. It assists in stimulating blood circulation, skin renewal and cell elasticity, counteracting the typical decline in resiliency of the ageing skin. Eldeweiss is also rich in chlorogenic acid, a powerful antioxidant which acts to protect the skin from free radical damage and ageing.
• Hyaluronic Acid is a natural plumping agent which attracts 1,000 times its weight in water. It is a humectant that surges water deep into the skin. This acts to improve skin pliability and plumping to relieve fine lines, helping to maintain healthy hydration levels, and prevent transepidermal water loss.
• Acerola is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Acerola helps to reduce pigmentation, prevent acne, refine the skin’s pores and improve elasticity.

• Snowflower Seed Oil named after the white, fluffy flowers of the plant, Snowflower Seed Oil reduces pigmentation, sunspots and enhances brightness and illumination of the skin. It is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which also encourages skin cell renewal.
• Emu Apple Seed are berries which have the flavour of apple. They are unique in their free radical scavenging properties, and contain four times more antioxidants than blueberries. Their strong antioxidant content protects the skin from ageing.
• Jojoba Seed Oil contains wax esters which are very similar to those found on the skin itself. It is a miracle oil in reducing inflammation and encouraging skin suppleness.
• Camellia Seed Oil contains over 98% long-chain fatty acids. The unusual chemistry contains more carbon atoms than other edible oils, making it an excellent emollient oil that is intensely moisturising without being greasy. When applied to the skin it forms a moisture barrier to aid the skin in preventing moisture loss.
• Kakadu Plum Seed Oil contains the world’s highest concentration of nutrient-available vitamin C. When applied topically it restores the skin’s antioxidant defence system protecting the dermis from degradation and stimulates pro-collagen and hyaluronic acid to help reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, enhance skin radiance and resilience and protect against UV related sun damage.