Inspired by the holistically healing approach to 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 systems as it as 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 heal and restore. Thus, to achieve harmony of your body, mind, and qi (energy), it’s important to nourish yourself with yin-yang balanced meals.
Yin and Yang are thought of as the energetic qualities that influence everything in the universe, including your health.
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 staple, to 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 also gently drains 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 - known to be good for the liver, kidneys and spleen. Flaxseed meal (another neutral food) has also been added - not only to help with the consistency of this recipe, but also to help with smooth bowel movements! (Yup, I went there). Flaxseeds are often used therapeutically in TCM to help “drain downward” (i.e. treat constipation) - but since there’s only a relatively small amount per serving in these Motherly Munchies, you will simply enjoy a gut-loving, lightly detoxifying effect. For sweetener, I used blackstrap molasses (the most nutrient-dense form of molasses as its made by removing as much sucrose as possible), which is warm natured (i.e. yang), and known for its ability to tonify qi and blood. Last but not least, the Yin Power brings a necessary 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
Kiki has broken down the nutrition facts for you on these delicious bites. Click here to see!
