Meal before Donating Blood

fates_child
fates_child Posts: 3
in Food and Nutrition
I intend to donate blood this coming up Wednesday at school, rather early in the morning at 9:00. So, I was wondering if there were any good suggestions for a meal that would better prepare my body for this and help me get to lunch (after 12) along side the snacks they provide afterward. I don't think what I normally eat would particularly cut it. lol What I normally eat is a scrambled egg and a slice of ham that is fried in the pan just long enough to heat it up, which that's not a good option with only 122 calories to it.

What do you guys suggest I eat because I'm honestly at a loss for more healthy options that will actually let me get in there and survive until lunch without feeling like crap. XD

Replies

  • xsmilexforxmex
    xsmilexforxmex Posts: 1,216 Member
    Honestly you don't have to eat anything special but if you are nervous about it, add a 1/2 banana/spinnach smoothie with yogurt and drink some extra water. This will help replace lost iron, water and maintain blood glucose levels.
  • Wetcoaster
    Wetcoaster Posts: 1,788 Member
    You are going to donate blood that might save a life.

    Give your head a shake....it isn't about you.
  • snazzyjazzy21
    snazzyjazzy21 Posts: 1,298 Member
    You are going to donate blood that might save a life.

    Give your head a shake....it isn't about you.

    True but they also don't appreciate you fainting on them either, so eating something of substance is a good idea. And yes, I'm speaking from experience...
  • PaytraB
    PaytraB Posts: 2,360 Member
    Try not to worry too much about calories on this day. Give yourself a bit of a break about breakfast and eat something before donating blood or you may faint.
    Your usual breakfast with a couple of pieces of fruit and a glass of milk should be fine. They will give you a glass of juice and a cookie after donating. Eat those, too.
    Don't fret. This one day won't matter for your weight loss plan and you're doing something important. You should feel proud of yourself for helping others.
    Congratulations and thank you for donating blood. It's very much needed.
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    Just eat anything to get some food in your system and you'll be fine. I regularly donate blood every 8 weeks and I always donate in the morning and never eat before I donate. I've never had a problem, but everybody is different and I'd definitely recommend eating something substantial. A couple eggs and maybe a couple pieces of toast would be fine.
  • lmhbuss
    lmhbuss Posts: 282 Member
    One person donating blood one time can help as many as 7 people. Eat whatever you gotta eat to get you through and call it a win...because saving lives and stuff. :)
  • ks4e
    ks4e Posts: 374 Member
    I've donated many times. Eat how you normally eat but stay super hydrated! I donated 8 weeks after having my daughter and while exclusively nursing her. Hydration is key.
  • gmallan
    gmallan Posts: 2,099 Member
    You are going to donate blood that might save a life.

    Give your head a shake....it isn't about you.

    True but they also don't appreciate you fainting on them either, so eating something of substance is a good idea. And yes, I'm speaking from experience...

    This times 2. I fainted away from the donation centre and now am no longer able to donate blood. So looking after yourself pre and post donation benefits everyone. Eat a solid meal, drink plenty of water
  • Gidzmo
    Gidzmo Posts: 906 Member
    You are going to donate blood that might save a life.
    Give your head a shake....it isn't about you.

    I've been through the donation process. They test you to make sure the iron content is within a certain range (too low indicates anemia--and she won't be able to donate if it's too low).

    Her concern is well-founded.
  • gmallan
    gmallan Posts: 2,099 Member
    You are going to donate blood that might save a life.
    Give your head a shake....it isn't about you.

    I've been through the donation process. They test you to make sure the iron content is within a certain range (too low indicates anemia--and she won't be able to donate if it's too low).

    Her concern is well-founded.

    Eating before a donation won't fix anemia though, it can take months to recover if you have anemia
  • Gidzmo
    Gidzmo Posts: 906 Member
    I intend to donate blood this coming up Wednesday at school, rather early in the morning at 9:00. So, I was wondering if there were any good suggestions for a meal that would better prepare my body for this and help me get to lunch (after 12) along side the snacks they provide afterward. I don't think what I normally eat would particularly cut it. lol What I normally eat is a scrambled egg and a slice of ham that is fried in the pan just long enough to heat it up, which that's not a good option with only 122 calories to it.

    What do you guys suggest I eat because I'm honestly at a loss for more healthy options that will actually let me get in there and survive until lunch without feeling like crap. XD

    If you're going to eat anything iron-rich, such as spinach, eat it today or tomorrow so it gets through your system. Iron takes a few days to get into your blood (they check for iron pre-donation). Stay hydrated, and remember to follow the post-care instructions they give you.
  • einzweidrei
    einzweidrei Posts: 381 Member
    Add a slice or two of bread to that breakfast. There you go you've upped your calories.

    I've been bad before and I've donated without eating. I'm not prone to fainting though so I was fine.

Categories