World Blood Donor- 10 Foods You Can Eat Before and After Donating Blood

World Blood Donor Day is observed annually on June 14 with an aim to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion. The day also honours the crucial contribution that voluntary, unpaid blood donors to save lives. World Blood Donor Day provides an opportunity to encourage governments and health authorities to provide adequate resources to increase the collection of blood from voluntary, unpaid blood donors. Every day millions of lives are saved by transfusion performed with safe blood and blood products.

The day before a big blood drive at my high school, my 10th grade chemistry teacher talked to my class about the importance of donating blood. While I cannot for the life of me remember exactly what she said, it's been something that has stuck with me all these years later and I try to donate as often as I can.

When I talk to people about donating blood, the most common thing I hear is that people don't do it because they're scared. Well, as someone who's donated several times, I'm here to make it just a little bit less scary by telling you what foods to eat before and after you donate to make the process go as smoothly as possible:

Before

# Water

This one really has nothing to do with iron levels, but it is by far the most important thing to eat (drink) before you donate blood. Being sufficiently hydrated makes the whole process easier and helps you to feel less lightheaded when it's over.

# Lean Red Meat

While it's true that red meat should be eaten in moderation, it's not a bad idea to eat a steak before you give blood. With 2.4 milligrams of iron per 100 grams of meat, you'll pass the hemoglobin test with flying colors. Just make sure it's not too fatty.

# Lentils

Red meat not your thing? No problem. Lentils are absolutely packed with iron, along with tons of other important nutrients, making them one of the healthiest foods out there.

# Spinach

Channel your inner Popeye and load up on spinach before you donate blood. It's super versatile sauté it, add it to a green smoothie, or use it as a vitamin-packed base for your favorite salad and also surprisingly hydrating. Win win.

# Watermelon

Do you have trouble just drinking plain water? Try eating a hydrating watermelon instead. If you're not into watermelon, strawberries are another ultra-hydrating fruit that are perfect for eating before you donate blood.

After

# Juice

Ditch the boring water for a sweeter, hydrating option. If you're not about added sugars, try coconut water or a cold-pressed juice.

# Cookies

No nutritional value here, but hey you deserve a treat. While the blood drive will likely provide these, you can also bake your own.

# Avocado

Since you're supposed to avoid fatty foods before you donate, be sure to go ham on some avocados afterwards. On top of being delicious, they're packed full of omega-3's. Score! Whether you smash it on top of a piece of toast or turn it into guac, there's really no way to go wrong here.

# Mocktails

The Red Cross recommends avoiding alcohol for at least 24 hours after you donate blood. Don't get too down, though, because there are tons of fun mocktails you can drink. I guarantee you won't even miss the alcohol.

# Cereal

Not only is cereal the trendiest food of 2017, but also it's often fortified with iron. Opt for a low-sugar variety like cheerios or chex if you're tryna be extra healthy (but let's be real, lucky charms = life).