Blood donation on a diet

LadyL2012

I am a regular blood donor, but this is the first time I will give blood on a diet. I am due to donate on Friday and am currently doing max 1200cals per day, but normally more around the 1000cals mark.

Is this OK to still donate or should I forget the diet the day before and after, or do I just have a lot of protein a few days before to build up so to speak?

And no before anyone asks, the 1000cals isn't a long term thing, just there to slim me down a lot before my holiday and then I'll be upping the cals to more normal diet levels.

vtpixie

Being on a diet shouldn't affect your ability to donate blood. Just make sure to have protein for breakfast that day as they usually check your iron levels, if that's too low you won't be able to donate.

As long as your weight is above 110lbs, you're not on any medication that won't allow you to donate, or traveled to any banned blood donation countries I think you'll be fine.

LadyL2012

Ok cool thanks. As long as I can donate Im happy. They dont let you leave without seeing you have a cookie at my local donation centre!

carld256

I went with a friend to donate blood years ago. He was on a strict diet, either through choice or financial necessity, and had a seizure during the blood draw. He was okay, but it scared me spitless. I don't recall them doing any sort of checks before hand, but this was many years ago and things have probably changed since then.

ncthomas09

I donated blood about a month ago. I passed out with the needle in my arm!!! My starting heart rate was in the 70's and it got down to 46 at one point. Was even sent home from work because it effected me so bad. So the day you donate and maybe the day after I say toss the diet. Only because not only will you need tons of protein but you will also need to get your blood sugar up. Which you can do this by eating something sugary (like a candy bar) followed by tons of protein. The candy bar will spike the blood sugar right after donating and the protein will maintain it.

I am also hypoglycemic so I have struggled with keeping my blood sugar at a good spot for years. Like when I eat pancakes i have to have eggs and bacon with it kind of thing. But if you usually don't have a problem giving blood you will probably be ok. Just make sure to have a hearty breakfast first! And then make sure to eat after.

fonitoni

If you are healthy, fed, and hydrated it will not be a problem

Skinny_Beans

I don't see why your diet should effect your donation as long as you eat enough everyday already. I do suggest eating the crackers/cookies they give you afterwards, it may be junk but it'll help if you're dizzy. Calories are calories.

myfitnessval

If you are healthy, fed, and hydrated it will not be a problem

this. i once made the mistake of getting a tattoo with only a power bar in my belly and some OJ and i passed out about a half hour after getting it. lol

Cold_Steel

I donate as well, I use it as a cheat day... Eat a package of cookies there it wont kill you... Get a good protein breakfast as suggested... And make sure you ate well and VERY hydrated so the blood draw goes quick and smooth,

Feathil

I eat breakfast etc as normal (I always have oatmeal), but I have an apple and water before I go in to be sure my blood sugar levels are grand. After donation you can have fruit instead of the biscuits or crisps, but I let myself have something nice because I earned it, morally and calorifically :P I've had no problems donating on a diet.

Overboard_Eater

Just donated today. I had 2 eggs and toast 4 breakfast. No problems. I didn't eat cookies or drink the juice because I went right before lunch.

alslau02

I had my first donation while on a more restrictive calorie plan and everything went fine. Two days later, I'm a bit more hungry, but nothing out of control.

MinnieInMaine

If you are healthy, fed, and hydrated it will not be a problem

This! Make sure you eat a good meal before hand (carbs/sugars and protein) and drink plenty of water the day before and day of donation. And don't worry about that cookie, it'll help you recover!

BlackKat75

Make sure you've eaten enough beforehand! I learned this the hard way. I passed out after giving blood once. Really quite scary - and a big PITA because they wouldn't let me leave until someone came to pick me up because they didn't want me to drive by myself.