Advice for Blood Donors?

melsmith612
melsmith612 Posts: 727 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I regularly donate blood and tonight I'm going again. This will be my first visit back to the blood center since allowing myself a carb-inclusive diet. How do other blood donors here that are dieting get around the whole juice & cookies thing after your donation? My blood center has bottles of water so I know I can get around the juice but their snack area is full of nothing but cookies, crackers and pretzels. I don't want to get dizzy driving home so I've got to have something but I'm carb-phobic after years of only being able to lose weight on low-carb diets. Any suggestions? Or just pick the lowest calorie option available?

Replies

  • jcpmoore
    jcpmoore Posts: 796 Member
    Just take your own snack. It's a very simple solution.
  • melsmith612
    melsmith612 Posts: 727 Member
    Just take your own snack. It's a very simple solution.

    It would be much simpler if I had gone shopping yet this week... most of what I have left at the house doesn't travel/keep well without refrigeration. I was thinking maybe bring an apple but I have no idea where I would put it since my purse is already overflowing. :laugh:
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Is one cookie going to mess up your plan that badly? (I'd probably go for the juice & skip the cookie)

    BTW - kudos for donating blood, I have been remiss of late.....
  • beekuzz
    beekuzz Posts: 428 Member
    I'm about to go donate platelets right now and was thinking this too. But I'm going to take a fruit and a beef jerky stick and see what happens. They have said before that after donating blood, you should eat a big meal to replenish.
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    Apples have a lot of carbs...
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    Wow, I'm surprised at the limited choices! The place I used to donate had nuts, V8 (yeah, I know, sodium) and a few other protein-carb combos. I don't know what to suggest for this time, but maybe you could mention it to them - that a lot of people are wanting healthier choices after donating and it would be great if there were some nuts or something.

    Also, a big THANK YOU for donating when you can! You are truly saving lives each and every time!! (I used to donate regularly but I am now ineligible :sad: )
  • PShep17
    PShep17 Posts: 221 Member
    EAT IT! I tried to 'be good' last time I donated....ended up on the floor.
  • scottg1024
    scottg1024 Posts: 224
    I donate regularly and schedule my next appointment while I'm having my "snack." One cookie doesn't kill you - nor does a small little cup of juice.

    On a side note, my blood bank posts the cholesterol numbers within 72 hours after donation, and gives me a login to I can retrieve the data. It's been a real thrill seeing the cholesterol continue to decrease!! What a great motivation to donate, not to mention the prizes/freebies they also give. Last week they gave away a new Ford Focus in a random drawing from donors who donated in July and August.
  • melsmith612
    melsmith612 Posts: 727 Member
    Is one cookie going to mess up your plan that badly? (I'd probably go for the juice & skip the cookie)

    BTW - kudos for donating blood, I have been remiss of late.....

    The problem with cookies is that it's VERY hard for me to stop at just 1. So, no 1 cookie wouldn't hurt but getting me to not pick up a 2nd and 3rd afterward would be nearly impossible on a Friday afternoon! (just being honest here, we all have our weak points)
  • melsmith612
    melsmith612 Posts: 727 Member
    I'm about to go donate platelets right now and was thinking this too. But I'm going to take a fruit and a beef jerky stick and see what happens. They have said before that after donating blood, you should eat a big meal to replenish.

    I plan on eating dinner after donating but definitely need something while I'm there before driving home... beef jerky is a good idea, maybe I'll grab some on the way there. Thanks!
  • puckers82
    puckers82 Posts: 200 Member
    When we go we have water or juice to choose from. The there are big bowls with chocolates or special K snack bars to choose from.

    Im sure if wont hurt to have a little of something after doing something so great!
  • melsmith612
    melsmith612 Posts: 727 Member
    Apples have a lot of carbs...

    They also have a lot of fiber and the sugars they contain are natural so I'm not worried about carbs from fruit (unless there's a big bag of cherries hanging around).
  • melsmith612
    melsmith612 Posts: 727 Member
    Wow, I'm surprised at the limited choices! The place I used to donate had nuts, V8 (yeah, I know, sodium) and a few other protein-carb combos. I don't know what to suggest for this time, but maybe you could mention it to them - that a lot of people are wanting healthier choices after donating and it would be great if there were some nuts or something.

    Also, a big THANK YOU for donating when you can! You are truly saving lives each and every time!! (I used to donate regularly but I am now ineligible :sad: )

    I find it odd too. Unfortunately this is Rhode Island and healthy eating is considered anti-Rhode Islandish. LOL (Our whole state is BIG on rich foods.)

    I could bring some nuts in sandwich bag, I have almonds at home, didn't even dawn on me. Thanks for saying "nuts"! :)

    And you're welcome... honestly, I donated once a few years ago when the gym I belonged to had a blood drive and once the blood center found out that I was O negative they started calling non-stop to book donation appointments every 8 weeks. I've been going like clockwork ever since... mostly to stop the phone calls! :tongue:
  • melsmith612
    melsmith612 Posts: 727 Member
    I donate regularly and schedule my next appointment while I'm having my "snack." One cookie doesn't kill you - nor does a small little cup of juice.

    On a side note, my blood bank posts the cholesterol numbers within 72 hours after donation, and gives me a login to I can retrieve the data. It's been a real thrill seeing the cholesterol continue to decrease!! What a great motivation to donate, not to mention the prizes/freebies they also give. Last week they gave away a new Ford Focus in a random drawing from donors who donated in July and August.

    That's so cool that your blood bank posts your cholesterol numbers for you! My login online only let's me schedule another appointment to donate! But today is the last day at mine to "bring a buddy" to be entered to win a pair of New England sports team tickets. The hubby and I are hoping for Patriots tix. :)
  • Blacklance36
    Blacklance36 Posts: 755 Member
    I give blood on a regular basis. Have that cookie. Giving blood is hard on your body and if you Google it you will find that your body burns approx. 650 calories just to replace the blood. This happens over a few days but it does happen. Im not recommending donating as a calorie burn but it is a nice benefit to helping others.
  • melsmith612
    melsmith612 Posts: 727 Member
    I give blood on a regular basis. Have that cookie. Giving blood is hard on your body and if you Google it you will find that your body burns approx. 650 calories just to replace the blood. This happens over a few days but it does happen. Im not recommending donating as a calorie burn but it is a nice benefit to helping others.

    Wow, I'll take 650 calories burned over a few days TYVM! Awesome info. Too bad I can't add it to my exercise tracker! :laugh:
  • jealous_loser
    jealous_loser Posts: 395
    As long as you eat and drink throughout the day, you should be alright. Have your water and maybe bring some jerky or nuts.

    The only time I had a problem was when I donated and did not eat or drink enough beforehand. That's the important time.
  • melsmith612
    melsmith612 Posts: 727 Member
    As long as you eat and drink throughout the day, you should be alright. Have your water and maybe bring some jerky or nuts.

    The only time I had a problem was when I donated and did not eat or drink enough beforehand. That's the important time.

    My last meal ended around 1:30pm and I'll be donating around 6pm so I'll probably bring an ounce of almonds with me since that solves the problem of carbs, room in my purse and a healthier snack option.
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