These easy to make, protein packed snacks were a big hit at Acupuncture Day a few years ago. They make a great recipe to try with kids to enjoy protein balls for a treat!
Yin and Yang
The Taoist concept of yin and yang has been around for thousands of years. Everything in nature can be divided and can not exist without the other. For example, image a dark night, far away from lights of the city, where feelings of mediation and introspection are easy to relate to. It might be cool outside and sleep is natural. These are Yin aspects of nature, or the black part of the yin yang circle.
Out of the corner of an eye, a shooting star interrupts the dark night and may bring up feelings of excitement and a rush of energy. This is Yang energy within the Yin. It is represented by the small white dot within the black of they yang symbol.
Imagine now the peak of the day, noon, it’s hot and you’re at the beach. There’s people partying, children shouting with laughter, loud nosies of ice cream trucks bells in the distance. This is all Yang energy and is represented by the white in the Yin Yang symbol.
Need a break from the conga line? Take an escape to a shadowy spot. Cool down with a cold drink, a moment of quiet and aloneness. This is Yin energy within Yang and is the small black dot within the larger white area of the Yin Yang symbol.
All food is either Yin or Yang. Acupuncturists may make dietary recommendations based on needs.
This recipe takes Yin ingredients and Yang ingredients and makes about 25 balls of yin and yang.
Yin Protein Balls
3 cups rolled oats
2 cups nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew all work)
1 cup honey
1 cup sesame seeds
2 Tbs orange peel (find it in bulk at the coop)
1 cup coconut oil
1.5 Tb bee pollen (optional)
1/2 Tbs orange extract
1/2 Tbs vanilla extract
Yin energy helps with sleep, introspection, and cooling. And these yin protein balls may be helpful for menopausal symptoms, eczema, insomnia and irritability.
Yang Protein Balls
3 cups rolled oats
2 cups nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew)
1 cup honey
1 cup coconut oil
1.5 Tb ground cinnamon
1.5 Tbs ground ginger
1/4 cup cocoa
Yang energy helps with stamina and strength. And useful for fatigue, cold hands and feet, and depression feelings.
Love Yin and Yang treats on the go? Check out Chi Chi Chocolates, 5 Element chocolate bars!
