Max’s Super Hero Salad
Loaded with Vitamin C and Iron

You may have noticed that the Red Cross checks your hemoglobin before every blood donation. Hemoglobin is a protein carried by the red blood cells that contains iron. A blood donor must have a hemoglobin level above a specific measure to donate blood for another person. If your hemoglobin is too low, you may not be able to donate blood that day. This does not necessarily mean you are unhealthy, you just don’t have a high enough hemoglobin level to share your red cells that day.

By changing your diet to include more high-iron foods and avoiding substances that reduce iron absorption, you can improve your iron level and therefore improve your hemoglobin.
Try the following fun recipe to boost your iron levels prior to a blood donation to the American Red Cross!

Ingredients
The Hulk (Green Spinach)
Spiderman (Strawberries)
Johnny Flames (Chopped Apricots)
Batman (Raisins)
Robin (Sunflower Seeds)
Superman (Blueberries)
Godzilla’s Atomic Fire Breath (Chopped Red Onion to Taste)

Dressing:
Balsamic Vinegar
You can also add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to the Balsamic Vinegar if you like.

Max says thank you to all the blood donating Heroes and hey make a date to donate! Call 1.800.GIVE.LIFE or visit givebloodgivelife.org to learn more about the need for blood or to schedule an appointment.

Purchase a ‘Cooking With Max’ book and a portion will be donated to the American Red Cross. Visit givebloodgivelife.org for more information or to order your copy. Seven-year-old Max Nania began cooking before he turned three years old. Now, for the first time, Max reveals his favorite recipes that he’s invented! These are all dishes and desserts that kids can make with just a little grown-up supervision.