Donating blood?

[Momtofour]

chadci post got me thinking...

If you donate blood how do you get around eating the carbs afterwards. I want to start donating but I won't if they make me carb up after. What do you do?

[Empyre]

Re: Donating blood?

chadci post got me thinking...

If you donate blood how do you get around eating the carbs afterwards. I want to start donating but I won't if they make me carb up after. What do you do?

Start by talking to them ( staff ) They'll know of alternatives etc
Its a simple phone call.

[Momtofour]

Re: Donating blood?

Sure it is a simple phone call....but this is the support board and it is always better to be prepared with what others have done. Not everyone is supportive of Atkins in the public and will not give alternatives. I think we have all encountered that in some point in time.

[Slapshot]

Re: Donating blood?

Start by talking to them ( staff ) They'll know of alternatives etc
Its a simple phone call.

I'd be curious to know what low/no carb "alternatives" are available post-donation. Seems to me the whole point behind the juice/crackers/cookies thing is for the carbs/blood sugar effect.

To the original poster's question, I think the most relevant question is: "If I'm feeling fine after donating, and wait the required xx minutes, will you insist on force feeding me things I really can't eat on my diet?" If the answer's yes, then at least you're making an informed decision on whether to donate or now. Whenever I've given blood, they've never made me eat/drink anything.

[SunnySmile501]

Re: Donating blood?

I am not allowed to donate blood, but I frequently have medical procedures which require fasting prior, and I am required to eat/drink something before being allowed to stand up or be released. I always tell them ahead of time that I am not going to drink any juice boxes or eat crackers, so they instead give me tomato juice (allowed even on induction) and a large cup of water. I am also offered whole fruit, like sliced apple, which doesn't do much damage to ketosis like sugary juice and crackers. The water is needed more than the carbs, so they offer you juice for the water content.

If I were you, I would just take a legal snack (medium rare roast beef would be great) and a big bottle of water along with you. Make sure that you are super hydrated prior to giving blood, and you should be fine. They can't force you to eat something you don't want to eat.

[Georgiana]

Re: Donating blood?

I donate blood twice a year. I simply tell them I am on a low carb diet and I have my own snack. Most times my "snack" is 1 oz of cheese, a tomato (can be eaten like an apple) and 1-2 slices of roast beef. Last time I had some nuts (I was in OWL Rung 3). It was always okay with them.

I also drink plenty of water.

[imagood1]

Re: Donating blood?

If I were you, I would just take a legal snack (medium rare roast beef would be great) and a big bottle of water along with you. Make sure that you are super hydrated prior to giving blood, and you should be fine. They can't force you to eat something you don't want to eat.[/FONT]

I agree completely with Sunny - don't expect them to do for you -- do for yourself!! You'll be happy and it doesn't matter how they feel.

[SunnySmile501]

Re: Donating blood?

Here is a good article about preparing to donate blood. All you need is water and iron-rich foods, which are liberal on Atkins.

How to Recover After Donating Blood

Each year, thousands of generous people help others by donating blood. Unlike other forms of charitable work, such as giving money, time, or other resources, donating blood involves giving a part of oneself so that another person may live. And while donating blood is far less serious than, say, kidney donation, it does somewhat diminish the donor’s physical resources, and it will take some time for the body to recover fully. Plasma volume usually returns to normal levels within 24 hours, but it can take up to 5 weeks for red blood cells to be replaced, and up to 8 weeks for iron levels to be restored. Read on for some suggestions on recovering after donating

Instructions
Things You'll Need:

· water
· non-alcoholic beverages
· iron-rich foods


Step 1

Drink 1-2 cups of water 30-60 minutes before donating blood, especially if you are prone to fainting after blood donation. This preventative step will help alleviate lightheadedness and fainting by increasing the blood flow to the brain.

Step 2

Consume additional beverages during the rest of the day following blood donation. Be sure these beverages are non-alcoholic. Urine color can be used as a guideline to judge hydration levels—if the urine is dark, more liquids are needed.


Step 3


Eat a full meal within a few hours of donating blood. The nutrients will give the body a head start on rebuilding plasma volume, red blood cells, and iron levels.

Step 4

Consume iron-rich foods in the weeks after donating blood. Meats, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, dried beans, organ meats, and whole grains are good dietary sources of iron.

Step 5

Avoid heavy lifting for a day or two, and be sure to get extra rest if you feel tired. The body does most of its rebuilding during periods of sleep, so give yourself permission to take a nap!


How to Recover After Donating Blood | eHow.com

[chadci]

Re: Donating blood?

I keep a big 32oz water bottle on my desk had had one of those just before I donated. I had forgotten that I was donating today ( they came to the office) so I did not have any good snacks packed and ready. Once I was finished I ate an early lunch.. in addition to the junk they made me eat.

[msanjelpie]

Re: Donating blood?

I wonder if telling them you are diabetic would get you out of the carb snacks... or do they not let diabetics donate?

[Momtofour]

Re: Donating blood?

I wonder if telling them you are diabetic would get you out of the carb snacks... or do they not let diabetics donate?

I wondered this too.

Thank you for all of the suggetions. I didn't realize how important it was to drink water afterward. That is an easy one. I will just take some water,tomato juice and roast beef with me when I go and I should be fine.

[dcketcham]

Re: Donating blood?

i'm glad to read this.. as to be honest, i thought i would be unable to donate during my lifestyle change.

i'm going to set me up an appointment shortly

[EmDee]

Re: Donating blood?

I just say "no, thank you" to food and drink lots of water. I am a regular donor and have never had a problem.