Eating with NAFLD

Since I stopped dancing during my last year of college, I had been gradually gaining about 10 pounds each year. It became a challenge both physically and mentally. I struggled to find a workout routine that felt right — I was so used to dancing for hours without even thinking about it, and I never really paid attention to what I was eating.

This past March, during my yearly physical, I got some surprising news. My blood work showed a high ALT liver enzyme. Two weeks later, after a retest, my levels had climbed even higher. My doctor ordered an ultrasound, and my husband came with me for support. A day later, I got the call: they had found fat on my liver.

At 5’5″ and 158 pounds, 28 years old, and barely in the “overweight” category, I was stunned. I knew I wasn’t where I was during my college dance days, but I never imagined I could be facing a diagnosis like this. It was tough to hear. I also have a history of digestive issues — I was diagnosed with IBS after a colonoscopy at 22 — but if I’m being honest, I hadn’t been doing much to manage it.

Since my diagnosis, everything has changed. I’ve committed to completely reworking my diet and becoming much more mindful about what I put into my body — especially with my liver health in mind.

I’m inviting anyone who’s navigating something similar to join me on this journey. I’ll be sharing recipes I’ve modified, foods I’ve cut out, and lessons I’m learning along the way. If you’re looking for motivation, support, or just some new ideas, welcome! 💛