Diet guides

Eating well with fatty liver

Eating well with fatty liver: an illustrated chart of foods to enjoy and foods to limit. The same information is in the text version below.
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Mediterranean-style eating is the recommended approach. If you are overweight, losing weight slowly can reduce liver fat.

  • Half: non-starchy vegetables
  • A quarter: lean protein
  • A quarter: whole grains, fruit or starchy vegetables

Foods to enjoy

  • Non-starchy vegetablesAt least 5 servings of vegetables and fruit a day
  • Fruit
  • Whole grains
  • Fatty fishOmega-3 fats
  • Lean protein
  • Olive oil
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Avocado

Foods to limit

  • Sweet drinksSoda, sports drinks, sweet tea, juice
  • Added sugarUnder 9 tsp a day for men, 6 tsp for women
  • AlcoholExperts advise not drinking at all
  • Fried food
  • Processed sweetsOften contain trans fat
  • High-fat dairyChoose low-fat or nonfat
  • White bread and riceChoose whole grains
  • PotatoesHigh-glycemic, keep portions small

If you are losing weight

  • Aim for ½ to 2 pounds a week. Avoid crash diets and fasting.
  • Losing 5 to 10% of your body weight can improve your liver.
  • Keto and paleo diets are not proven for long-term weight loss.

If you have cirrhosis

  • Your food needs are different. Ask us before you change your diet or try to lose weight.

General information for adults, not a personal diet plan. Follow the advice your own care team gave you, and talk to them before making big changes.

Questions? Call (718) 615-0400. Medical emergency? Call 911.

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