Donating plasma can be an easy and rewarding way to save the life of a friend, neighbor or even stranger in need of a transfusion to treat a rare or chronic disease. But before you can offer such a gift, you want to make sure you've done your part by increasing your body's protein. Armed with simple meal-planning techniques, you'll find that integrating versatile protein-rich foods like eggs, nuts and fish is a cinch.
Step 1
Consume ample amounts of high-protein meats such as lean steak, chicken without the skin or lamb chops in the days leading up to a plasma donation. For an extra boost, add high-protein seafood including tuna, shrimp and cod. A 3-ounce piece of meat can provide 21 grams of protein.
Step 2
Eat plenty of eggs to increase protein. To add variety, scramble eggs for breakfast and eat an egg salad or green salad with chopped boiled egg for lunch. A single boiled egg provides 6 grams of protein.
Step 3
Drink milk regularly to increase your protein level. Eat dry cereal with milk for breakfast or drink a glass of milk with dinner. Choose low-fat or skim milk to reduce the amount of fat you are consuming. Another option is using dry skim milk powder to make a milkshake.
Step 4
Eat plenty of nuts and seeds. Snack on almonds, peanuts or cashews, or incorporate crackers spread with peanut butter for a high-protein twist. Eating 1 ounce of peanuts (about a handful) provides 7 grams of protein, while 2 tablespoons of peanut butter offer 8 grams of protein.
Step 5
Incorporate tofu or soy-based products into your diet. Stir-fried tofu or soy-based products such as prepackaged vegetarian sausages or veggie burgers will help boost your protein level. A 4-ounce serving of tofu contains 9 grams of protein.
Step 6
Add beans and peas to your diet. Beans ranging from pinto, navy or refried are a high source of protein and are easy to incorporate as a side dish. Another option is using black beans or black-eyed peas to cook a Mexican dish where beans or peas take on a starring role. A half-cup of chickpeas provide 7 grams of protein.
