DONATING BLOOD

I am donating blood today for all the right reasons, but in the process I was told that you burn 650 calories when you donate 1 pint of blood. Is this true? Obviously, I'm not donating for the benefit to me, but its sure nice to think I can indulge a bit more at lunch today and be okay. What are your thoughts? Thanks.

Tue. May 13, 11:54am

Since you're not exercising I find this hard to believe - but I'm not a doctor so I'm not sure.

It would be a good insentive though. Unfortunately they don't want my blood - low iron....

Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 12:04 PM

I don't know about calories burn I used to donate blood often. I can tell you you will need to eat a bit more today just to keep up your energy. Personally I had to stop donating blood because my iron is very borderline and I would go into a weeklong period of no energy sleeping all the time after I donated. It's good to do but I just couldn't take the drain it has on me personally.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 12:19 PM

The only ways I can conceive of a calorie-burning boost would be:
1) The heart has to work harder to circulate less blood for about 5 days, and
2) It takes about 5 days for the body to replace that pint of lost blood

650 seems like a high estimate, and even if it's right, I think that "burn" is spread out over a week instead of the 15 minutes it takes to donate.

Whatever you do, don't reject the quick sugar hit (orange juice and donuts) afterwards. I used to volunteer at blood drives and had a special talent for catching fainters who tried to get away with half a cup of orange juice.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 12:26 PM

I used to dontae blood four times a year like clock work, but it has started to drag me down too much. For at least two weeks after I donate, my workouts are a total struggle. -My heart rate is through the roof and I can't control my breathing. Unfortunately, because of this I have stopped donating blood. :(

Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 1:43 PM

Am told that when you donate blood, you lose a pound.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 5:59 PM

PP, sadly that's not a pound of fat mass off my hips. =(

Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 6:38 PM

I think 5:59 was being facetious.
I mean, we do all know that a pint of blood weighs 16oz, right?

Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 7:07 PM

Of course, after you give blood they push the soda, juice, and packaged snacks on you so it all evens out :)

Good for you for donating, OP! (There was a time when I didn't weigh enough to donate - ohhh, those were the days - haha.) It's a great thing to do!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 10:56 PM

think 5:59 was being facetious.

I was not being facetious. However. just to check my facts one more time, I called the Blood Bank in Idaho and they said you indeed lose a pound when give blood, however after visiting the canteen, you could gain it right back.

So yes, indeed you do lose a pound when you give blood.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 2:56 PM

You had to call a blood bank to find out that when you drain 16oz of blood from your body, you weigh 16oz less? You're a bright one.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 3:22 PM

Just because you eat five , ten or + amounts of food does not mean you gain five, ten or + pounds.

Our body does different things with the stuff that comes in and out.

I double checked to make sure that my facts were correct, since stats and advice is given sometimes without knowing actual facts.

Yeah I am a "bright one" but at least it is backed up knowledge.

(Go ahead and slander me all you want, I am just glad I am not in your group).

Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 4:25 PM

"Backed up with knowledge"?
All you basically confirmed was that a pint = 16oz. You know, that stuff we all learned in elementary school.

At least you gave the blood bank staff their laugh of the day.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 4:36 PM

4:36, You must have a pretty low self-esteem to need to put down and belittle complete strangers. Sad, too, that you apparently only have the courage to do it anonymously.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 5:51 PM

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