what to do before donating blood
Before Your Donation. 1  Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet by eating iron rich foods, such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals and raisins. 2  Get a good night's sleep. 3  Drink an extra 16 oz. of water or nonalcoholic fluids before the donation. 4  Eat a healthy meal before your donation.