Homemade Fruit Energy Gel

For those of you that run or ride long distances (and I don't mean in a car! LOL), my husband has created an awesome plant-based energy gel you can make for your workouts/races! This can be loaded into a soft flask like this one and taken with you to give you a jolt of carbs when you need them!

Homemade Fruit Energy Gel

12 oz. of frozen or fresh fruit (I used TJ's frozen organic strawberries)
7 organic pitted medjool dates
1/2 C filtered water (tap would do fine)
2 T lemon juice (lime would be fine also)
7-8 T raw sugar (almost any sweetener will do)
1/4-1/2 t pink salt (sea salt will work, too)
1 1/2 T chia seeds

NOTE: You could use all dates and no raw sugar, but the mixture might be too thick.

Put all but the chia seeds into a medium sauce pan, cover, place on stove and set heat to medium to medium-high. Once mixture starts to boil (3 or so minutes), turn down to medium low.  Simmer for 15 more minutes.  Stir the mixture and crush the fruit and dates down. Simmer for another 5 minutes.  As long as fruit is nice and soft, remove from heat and let sit for 5-10 minutes.

After mixture has cooled slightly, pour into the jar of your blender and add the chia seeds.  Blend the mixture, initially on low, gradually working up to maximum speed.  Blend until no chia seeds or large fruit pieces can be identified.

You should have about 3 cups of goop now.  Pour into a storage container at least 3.5 cups in size and cover and place in fridge.

When you go to use the gel, if it is deemed too thick for the gel flask, thin a little with more water.  You might also want to add a little agave to keep the calories at a sufficient level.

Enjoy your ride or run with your fruity, homemade, much cheaper gel!!

Disclosure: Mrs. Plant makes use of Amazon.com affiliate links when they are available. These are products I have personally purchased and recommend based on my experience with them. Your use of these links for product purchases provides me with a commission. However, your use of these links as a reader is not required.