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Healthy Liver Choices when Eating Out with Hep C

Connie Welch's avatar image

By Connie Welch

2 min read

Eating out is common in our society. But is it possible to dine out while keeping our liver in good health while having hep C?

Knowing what is healthy for our liver can be confusing. You do not have to sacrifice flavor and the enjoyment of eating out with friends and family when you know what choices are healthy for your liver.

Healthy liver choices can vary a bit depending on if you have an associated condition like cirrhosis, diabetes, heart disease, or need to lose weight. These conditions require attention to lower sodium, lower sugar choices.

These everyday healthy liver choices can be incorporated in the times you plan to eat out.

Keeping your liver healthy everyday

  • Eat smaller meals throughout the day.
  • a healthy snack 1 to 2 times per day.
  • Drink plenty of pure water or water infused with citrus fruit.
  • A food tracker with an app can keep you on track with your calorie intake, as well as the nutrient levels that you are eating.
  • Eat slow. Your brain will have time to register when you are getting full.

Learn how to eat out in a healthy way

  • If you know where you are going ahead of time, look up healthy menu options at the restaurant. This will help you plan with a healthy liver purpose.
  • Look for lighter, healthy menu options. These will normally have healthier portion sizes, lower fat, and fewer calories.
  • Ask the waiter if they can prepare low or no salt options.
  • Drink water with lemon at the beginning of your meal. If you like coffee or tea enjoy these with little sugar or as unsweet.
  • Skip the chips or bread. These contain high sodium which is unhealthy for the liver.
  • Be mindful of your portion sizes. The majority of restaurants oversize their portions far beyond the amount that is healthy. Take half home or split your order with someone.
  • Load up on vegetables and salad. Fresh salad and vegetables are super healthy for your liver. Ask how the vegetables are prepared. Avoid fried anything. Go for steamed or sauteed, as these are healthier options. For example, ask for a double portion of vegetables instead of baked potatoes with all the fixings.
  • For the main entrée, choose poultry without the skin, or fish. Fish like salmon, tuna, trout, and sardines are high in Omega 3 fatty acids which help fight inflammation.
  • Enjoy hot coffee or tea afterward if others order dessert. Then you won’t feel left out because you’re enjoying something too.

Avoid Harmful Liver Choices

  • Avoid drinking alcohol of all types. Instead choose water infused with citrus, coffee, or tea.
  • Avoid overeating. Large meals are harder to digest.
  • Beef is harder to the digestion process, and harder on the liver.
  • Avoid fried, processed foods, and foods high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
  • Avoid fast food. These are mostly processed with high sodium and sugar, unhealthy fats, and chemicals that are unhealthy for your liver.

    • Dining out and enjoying a nice meal at a restaurant while having hep C is possible. You just need to be mindful of your liver and know what to ask for.

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