I just gave BLOOD.

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Replies

  • CollieFit
    CollieFit Posts: 1,683 Member
    I've donated all my life and I certainly don't do it for the burn. :laugh:
  • stackhead
    stackhead Posts: 121 Member
    I think like the above poster said it works out at like 10 extra calories a day for a month.... WOO!

    Well done though. I had to cancel my last appointment due to low iron levels :(
  • bbzgrl110
    bbzgrl110 Posts: 45 Member
    I had no idea that you couldn't work out after giving blood, OR that it was any kind of calorie burn......interesting
  • drmcglone
    drmcglone Posts: 80 Member
    I had no idea that you couldn't work out after giving blood, OR that it was any kind of calorie burn......interesting
  • tyediri
    tyediri Posts: 183 Member
    I donate too, and had no idea it burnt calories. I wasn't even thinking about the energy spent creating new blood.

    But I wouldn't count that as exercise. I would normally eat an extra 200kcals ish because I tend to feel sluggish after giving blood and it makes me feel better. :)
    Turns out my body makes up for those extra calories within a month or two! Winner!
  • jlahorn
    jlahorn Posts: 377 Member
    Huh. The 650 calorie thing used to be cited on the Mayo Clinic site, but they've removed that paragraph. Bummer - I'd counted them as a reputable source and been having a cheeseburger every day I donated :)

    A cheeseburger every two months hasn't done me any harm. I think I'll keep up the tradition!
  • nickylee76
    nickylee76 Posts: 629 Member
    I work for a blood donation center and the instruction we give is " no strenuous activity especially with that arm for the rest if the day". Your perception of strenuous is your own but walking or light aerobic activity should be fine. We always joke with people they have just lost a pound but the truth is the fluid is generally replaced in a matter of hours so it comes right back. I doubt it burns that many calories. :)
  • bumblebreezy91
    bumblebreezy91 Posts: 520 Member
    I've donated all my life and I certainly don't do it for the burn. :laugh:

    ^^
  • judyde
    judyde Posts: 401 Member
    The calorie burn is probably similar to the effect of keeping your house cold. Your body has to work to keep yourself warm, so you're probably burning a few extra calories when it's cold.

    http://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/health/to-lose-weight-just-turn-down-the-thermostat-20130808
  • gmthisfeller
    gmthisfeller Posts: 779 Member
    That should count as exercise. How many calories does the body need to consume to regenerate a litre of blood cells?

    The plasma from a donation is replaced within about 24 hours. Red cells need about four to six weeks for complete replacement. That’s why at least eight weeks are required between whole blood donations.

    From the ARC:

    "People who are planning to undertake exercise after giving blood should be advised that donation may affect their performance and may also increase the risk of bleeding from the venepuncture (needle entry) site and of other adverse events such as fainting. You may wish to wait until the following day so as to avoid any problems.

    Individuals who undertake sport at high levels of performance should be aware of both the short term effect of blood donation on performance and the possible long term effects if they should become short of iron. You may wish to seek specialist advice on how to avoid adverse affects on your performance from donation.

    If you have undertaken exercise before you donate, you will need to be recovered from the exercise and well hydrated in order to donate."

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