Hey there, awesome Donate Buddies! 👋

After a transplant, your body has a brand-new organ (woohoo!) — and now it’s your job to take care of it like a treasure! 💎 That means taking special medicine, going to check-ups, and... being extra smart about what you eat!

Today we’re going to talk about all the yummy foods that help you heal, and the sneaky foods you need to watch out for — especially the ones hiding at picnics, parties, BBQs, or in your lunchbox.

So pop on your chef hat 🍳, grab your fork 🍴, and let’s dig in!

🍏 Why Does Food Matter After a Transplant?

After your transplant, you’ll take medicine that helps your body accept your new organ. These are called anti-rejection medicines — and they’re awesome, but they can also make it harder for your body to fight off germs. 🦠

That means some foods that used to be okay might now carry sneaky bugs that could make you sick.

So, food safety becomes your superpower. 💪🦸‍♀️

✅ Foods That Are Safe and Super!

Let’s start with the good news — there are heaps of foods that are safe, tasty, and awesome for transplant heroes like you!

🥦 Veggies – Cooked is safest, but crunchy raw ones like carrots, cucumber, and capsicum are okay if freshly washed and kept cold

🍎 Fruit – Whole fruit is fab! Think bananas, apples, oranges, grapes (just wash them well!)

🍗 Well-cooked meats – Chicken, beef, lamb, turkey… as long as it’s cooked all the way through (no pink bits!)

🍞 Fresh bread, wraps, and crackers – Great for sandwiches and snacks

🧀 Pasteurised cheese – Sliced cheese, cream cheese, and string cheese are all good

🥚 Hard-boiled eggs – But only if you peel and eat them fresh — no cracked ones!

🥤 Water, milk, and juice from sealed bottles – Great for hydration!

❌ Foods to Avoid (Even If They Look Tasty!)

Now for the tricky part. These foods can sometimes carry invisible germs that your body isn’t ready to fight after a transplant.

Here’s what to be careful of:

🥩 Raw or undercooked meat – No rare steak or pink chicken! Always make sure meat is cooked properly

🍣 Raw seafood – Sorry sushi lovers — no sashimi, oysters, or raw prawns

🥚 Raw or runny eggs – That means no licking cake batter or eating soft-boiled eggs (boo!)

🥪 Pre-cut fruit or salad sitting out too long – If it’s been out of the fridge for a while, germs love to party on it

🧁 Foods from open buffets or shared party platters – Too many hands touching means too many germs!

🧀 Unpasteurised soft cheeses – Like brie, camembert, blue cheese — these are no-go zones

🐟 Cold smoked salmon or deli meats – Unless they’ve been cooked again (like on a pizza!)

🥤 Drinks with ice from unknown places – Ice can hide germs if made from unsafe water

🍽 Leftovers left out too long – Food needs to go in the fridge within 2 hours, or it’s not safe anymore

🧺 What About Picnics and BBQs?

We love a good Aussie picnic or BBQ... but after a transplant, you have to get picky about your picnic! 😎

Here are your top tips:

• Bring your own lunchbox so you know it’s fresh

• Don’t eat from open platters that have been sitting out in the sun

• Avoid meat cooked on the BBQ unless you see it cooked fresh and it's not pink in the middle

• Skip the potato salad or coleslaw if it’s been out a while — those creamy bits can grow germs

• Always pack cold foods with ice bricks and eat them within a couple of hours

And hey — you can still enjoy picnic fun! Try these safe snack ideas:

• Fresh fruit you wash yourself

• Crackers with cheese (sliced at home)

• Cooked mini sausages

• Muffins or pikelets baked fresh by your family

• A water bottle or juice from home (no sharing!)

🏫 School Lunchbox Tips

Your lunchbox can still be fun, colourful, and full of flavour — it just needs to be fresh and safe.

✅ Use an insulated lunchbox with an ice pack

✅ Eat your lunch as soon as you can — don’t leave it till late

✅ Wash your hands before eating

✅ No food swaps! Even if your friend has fairy bread... don’t trade

✅ Only eat food packed by your family or someone you trust

🎉 What About Parties?

We get it — party food is awesome. But after a transplant, you need to be careful.

At birthday parties or events:

• Say “no thanks” to half-eaten shared snacks (chips, lolly bowls, sausage rolls sitting out)

• Ask for a fresh slice of cake, not one that’s been passed around

• Bring your own safe snacks if you’re unsure what’ll be served

• Drink from your own bottle or cup — no sharing!

• Let the grown-ups know you’ve had a transplant so they can help keep food safe for you

It’s totally okay to bring your own treat bag or cupcake and still have loads of fun! 🎈🎂🎁

💡 Why This All Matters

After a transplant, you’re stronger every day — but your body needs time to adjust.

Even a tiny germ from food could lead to a big problem, so following these food rules helps:

• Protect your new organ

• Keep you out of hospital

• Help your medicines work better

• And give you the best chance to enjoy life!

🦸 Your Transplant Superpowers

Learning to make smart food choices doesn’t make you boring — it makes you a superhero for your own body! 💥

So next time you’re at a BBQ or birthday party, remember:

• You’ve got knowledge

• You’ve got confidence

• You’ve got Captain Buddy on your side 😉

📚 Want to Learn More?

• Visit our Transplant Australia page

• Read more about your medicine and recovery in the Hero Wall stories

• Ask your family to talk to your transplant team about food ideas that work for you

💚 Final Tip from Captain Buddy:

"Every bite is a chance to take care of your new organ. Eat smart. Eat safe. And don’t forget to enjoy the tasty moments — you’ve earned them!" 🍽✨