Researchers created personalized meal plans designed specifically for Mexican and Central American patients with a liver condition caused by metabolism problems. By talking to 25 patients about their food preferences and cooking challenges, scientists developed seven-day meal plans at different calorie levels that fit their cultural food traditions while being healthier. When patients tested these plans, they felt more confident about their eating choices and better understood portion sizes. This study shows how listening to patients’ needs can help create diet plans that actually work for real people in their daily lives.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Can meal plans work better for people with a liver disease if they’re designed to match their culture and food preferences?
  • Who participated: 25 Mexican and Central American patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (a liver condition linked to weight and metabolism) from a community health center in Houston, Texas
  • Key finding: Patients who received culturally customized meal plans felt more confident about making healthy food choices and better understood how much food they should eat. The plans were practical and matched their traditional foods and cooking styles.
  • What it means for you: If you have this liver condition and come from a Mexican or Central American background, a meal plan designed around your actual food preferences may be easier to follow than generic diet advice. However, this is early research with a small group, so larger studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

The Research Details

This research happened in three stages. First, researchers interviewed 25 patients to understand what they normally eat, what they like, and what makes cooking difficult for them. They learned that most patients cook at home with meat, beans, and grains, and that preparing lunch and dinner are the hardest times. In the second stage, researchers used this information along with medical nutrition guidelines to create three different meal plans (with 1200, 1500, and 1800 calories per day). They modified traditional recipes to add more fiber and reduce unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates. In the third stage, patients tested the meal plans in their real lives and gave feedback through daily check-ins and surveys about how easy and practical the plans were.

This approach is important because it doesn’t just tell people what to eat—it asks them first what they actually eat and like. Many diet plans fail because they don’t match people’s real lives, budgets, or cultural food traditions. By designing the plans with patients’ input from the start, the researchers created something that fits into people’s actual routines and preferences, which makes it more likely people will stick with it.

This is an early-stage study with a small group of 25 people, so the results are promising but not final proof. The researchers used a careful, step-by-step process and listened directly to patients, which is a strength. However, they haven’t yet tested whether people actually lose weight or improve their liver health using these plans. The next step (already happening) is to test the plans with more people to see if they truly help with weight loss and health improvement.

What the Results Show

Patients reported that the customized meal plans felt culturally appropriate and practical for their lives. They said the plans helped them understand portion sizes better and gave them more confidence in making healthy food choices. The meal plans successfully incorporated traditional foods like beans, rice, and home-cooked proteins while reducing unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates. Participants found the plans easier to follow than generic diet advice because the recipes and meal structures matched what they already knew how to cook. The three different calorie levels (1200, 1500, and 1800 calories) gave patients options that fit their different needs and preferences.

The research identified specific cooking challenges that patients face, particularly with lunch and dinner preparation. Participants appreciated that the meal plans provided structure and guidance without requiring them to learn completely new foods or cooking methods. The plans also helped patients become more aware of their eating habits and portion sizes, which is an important first step in changing diet. Patients felt the plans respected their food culture while supporting their health goals.

Previous research shows that diet plans work better when they match people’s cultural backgrounds and food preferences. This study builds on that knowledge by showing a specific method for creating these customized plans. Many existing diet programs are designed for general populations and don’t account for cultural food traditions, which is why they often don’t work well for specific communities. This research demonstrates a replicable process that other healthcare providers could use to create culturally tailored plans for their own patient populations.

This study is small (only 25 people) and only included patients from one community health center in Houston. The results may not apply to all Mexican and Central American patients or to other communities. The study tested whether patients liked the plans and felt confident using them, but it didn’t yet measure whether people actually lost weight or improved their liver health—that research is still underway. The study also didn’t compare these customized plans to standard diet advice, so we don’t know for certain that the cultural tailoring makes a real difference in outcomes.

The Bottom Line

If you have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and are Mexican or Central American, ask your healthcare provider about culturally tailored meal plans that include your traditional foods. These plans appear to be more practical and easier to follow than generic diet advice. Start with the calorie level your doctor recommends (usually 1200-1800 calories per day for weight loss). However, this is early research, so work closely with your healthcare team to monitor your progress. (Confidence level: Moderate—promising early results, but larger studies needed)

This research is most relevant for Mexican and Central American patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease who struggle with standard diet plans. Healthcare providers serving these communities should pay attention to this approach. People from other cultural backgrounds may also benefit from culturally customized meal plans, though this specific research doesn’t address that. This is less relevant for people without liver disease or those who don’t cook at home.

Improved confidence in food choices and better portion awareness may happen within the first week or two of using the meal plan. Weight loss typically takes 4-8 weeks to become noticeable. Improvements in liver health usually require consistent dietary changes for 3-6 months or longer. Don’t expect overnight results, but small improvements in how you feel and your eating habits can happen fairly quickly.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Log your meals daily using the customized meal plan provided, tracking which meals you completed, portion sizes, and any modifications you made. Rate your confidence in making healthy choices each day on a scale of 1-10.
  • Start by following one full day of the meal plan that matches your calorie goal. Identify which meals and recipes feel most natural and culturally comfortable. Gradually increase to following the full week, and note which days are easiest and which are most challenging.
  • Weekly check-ins to review which meals you completed, how confident you felt making food choices, and what barriers you faced. Monthly weigh-ins and photos to track progress. Share feedback with your healthcare provider about which recipes work best for your family and lifestyle so adjustments can be made.

This research is preliminary and has not yet demonstrated that these meal plans improve weight loss or liver health outcomes. The study involved only 25 patients from one location, so results may not apply to everyone. This information is educational and should not replace advice from your doctor or registered dietitian. Before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have liver disease or other health conditions, consult with your healthcare provider. If you take medications, discuss any diet changes with your doctor to ensure they don’t interact with your treatment.