4 Foods to Eat On Blood Donation Day
I give blood on a regular basis, and I have done since I was 17. now being 31, I have ample experience in what to do before, during and after a full blood donation. However, today, we're going to focus in on the food that should be eaten in and around the day of your blood donation. From red meat to eggs, and everything in between, here are four foods that you should eat on blood donation day to keep your strength up and your energy levels high.
1. Red meat, fish & poultry
Red meat, fish and poultry provides you with all of the protein, nutrients and vitamins that you need to keep your strength up, both before, during and after your donation, according to the NHS. I understand that this isn't suitable if you're a vegetarian, which is why we're going to get onto the next food to eat on donation day...leafy green vegetables.
2. Leafy green veg
Leafy green veg are packed with nutritional value. They contain vitamin K, A, C, E and folate (B9). They also contain minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium, claims the Healthline. As well as this, they're full of antioxidants, all of which support healthy heart and brain health.
This is why leafy green vegetables are perfect when it comes to preparing for your blood donation. Don't just eat leafy green veg around donation day, make them part of your overall diet. Examples of leafy green vegetables include: kale, spinach, spring greens, savoy cabbage and more.
3. Nuts & raisins
Both of these things are packed with healthy fats, protein, anti-oxidants and fibre. Together, it improves heart health, aids digestion, provides steady energy and even aids in weight management, claims one source. While not all of those things are paramount to giving blood, they're a healthy source of sugar to help build up your strength and energy post-blood donation.
4. Eggs
Eggs are rich in a number of different vitamins, including B12, B2, D, iodine and selenium. They also contain vitamin A and other B vitamins, such as folate, biotin, pantothenic acid and choline, according to Egg Info.
This is all you need to help keep your strength and energy levels up before, during and after your blood donation. I like some scrambled egg on brown or wholemeal toast after I've given blood, followed by a yoghurt and a handful of either raisins or blueberries (mostly because I LOVE blueberries).
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I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it useful if you're giving blood. Let me know in the comments below what you like to eat and drink before, during and after a blood donation and I'll see you all again soon with some brand new content!
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