Deficit or mainteinance after blood donation

bukowski_shine
bukowski_shine Posts: 70 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I donated blood today at University's yearly blood donation program. Should I still eat at deficit today or maintenance?

ps. doctor estimated by weight at 160 Lbs when in actual it is 190 LOL:laugh:

Replies

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This content has been removed.
  • lynn_glenmont
    lynn_glenmont Posts: 10,092 Member
    The Internet consensus seems to be that it takes about 650 calories for your body to replace a pint of blood, blood sugar, etc. lost to donation. I don't see anybody breaking that down between the red blood cells that take weeks to replace, and other blood components that your bodies replaces in a couple of days. It seems like it wouldn't hurt (from a weight loss perspective) to add 200 to 300 extra calories the day you donate and the next day as well, and make sure you get plenty of liquids. Or more, if you feel like your body needs it, because your health is more important than any temporary effect on your weight loss progress.
  • Mad4282
    Mad4282 Posts: 171 Member
    I always increase my calorie intake after donating blood, if I am at a deficit I notice I am woozy and weak for a good two days. I have not noticed any negative impact on my weight loss goals either. I usually add an additional 300 calories on donation day and about 200 the day after.
  • lunalee84
    lunalee84 Posts: 372 Member
    On a side note- thank you all for donating blood :)
    It takes special people to do it and you are all beautiful.
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    If you're hungry, weak, or dizzy, eat!

    Drink enough water, too.

    Before the donation is really the best time to eat and drink, especially for dieters. It's not a big deal because they're used to people passing out, but eating before is smart. The cookies aren't usually ver good, anyway.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    If you're hungry, weak, or dizzy, eat!

    Drink enough water, too.

    Before the donation is really the best time to eat and drink, especially for dieters. It's not a big deal because they're used to people passing out, but eating before is smart. The cookies aren't usually ver good, anyway.

    This!^

    Push the fluids the day of and the day after too.

Categories