Inspired by the holistic approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I decided to take an “ancient” spin on today’s much-loved classic “energy bites” recipe. Incorporating some simple ingredient swaps, I designed a balanced snack that is as supportive to your whole body as it is delicious, easy and budget-friendly!
TCM focuses on the energetics of food and a balance of "cool" and “hot” foods, or “yin” and “yang” foods. TCM practitioners teach us that food not only has the power to strengthen and energize, but also to restore and bring balance. Thus, to support harmony of your body, mind, and qi (energy), it’s worth nourishing yourself with yin-yang balanced meals.
Yin and Yang are thought of as the energetic qualities that influence everything in the universe.
For my TCM-inspired energy bites recipe, I utilized a complementary balance of rich, warming yang foods with a full dose of the light & feminine energies of the Yin Power blend in each and every serving. Rather than simply using the commonly used oats or nut butter as a base, I brought traditional rice into play, and kept the oats as a complement rather than a staple in this recipe. Rice is a balanced food which is easily digested. In particular, brown rice is considered a nourishing and ‘clean burning’ food in Chinese Medicine which is traditionally said to gently drain dampness from the body. For richness, I opted for seeds to keep this recipe nut-free and allergy-friendly, featuring tahini, which, from a Chinese medicine perspective, is considered a “neutral” energy-reinforcing food — traditionally valued for the liver, kidneys and spleen. Flaxseed meal (another neutral food) has also been added, largely to help with the consistency of this recipe. Flaxseeds are traditionally used in TCM to help “drain downward” — and with the small amount per serving in these bites, you will simply enjoy a gentle, gut-friendly addition. For sweetener, I used blackstrap molasses (the most nutrient-dense form of molasses, as it is made by removing as much sucrose as possible), which is warm natured (i.e. yang), and traditionally used to tonify qi and blood. Last but not least, the Yin Power brings a cooling nature to this recipe — nourishing the feminine energy and harmonizing the whole system.
Enjoy a new (or rather, ancient) take on a classic recipe fit for a balanced you & nourished presence today!
Yin Power Bites
Ingredients
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MethodMix all ingredients in a large bowl until thoroughly combined Chill in refrigerator for ~30 minutes Remove from fridge and roll into small balls (you can choose your desired size of course!). Rice balls will be sticky Store in refrigerator or freezer for best consistency and preservation You can wrap them individually and grab one at a time for a snack or dessert on the go |
Images courtesy of Kiki Athanas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yin Power?
Yin Power is a Sun Potion blend traditionally used to support the cooling, feminine side of the yin-yang balance.
Are these energy bites nut-free?
Yes. Tahini stands in for nut butter, so the recipe is nut-free and allergy-friendly. Use certified gluten-free oats to keep it gluten-free as well.
How do I store Yin Power bites?
Keep them in the refrigerator or freezer for the best consistency. Wrap individually for a grab-and-go snack.
What does yin-yang balance mean in food?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, foods are described as cooling (yin) or warming (yang). A balanced dish pairs both, which is what this recipe aims to do.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
