EPISODE · Jan 19, 2026 · 21 MIN
23 | Can you lose weight and lose weight fast on a low carb diet?
from More Than A Number | Lose Weight, High Protein Diet, Low Carb Diet, Meal Prep, Lose Weight Fast · host Sam Barone | Registered Dietitian, Certified Specialist in Obesity & Weight Management, Weight Loss Coach, Speaker
Who loves carbs?? Me! 🙋🏻♀️ In this episode, I’m tackling one of the most misunderstood—and unfairly villainized—topics in nutrition: carbohydrates. When I ask people what carbs are, most answers sound the same: bread, pasta, rice, cookies, cake, bagels. And while those foods are carbohydrates, they’re only part of the story. Many people genuinely believe they “don’t eat carbs at all,” yet when we review their intake, carbohydrates are clearly present—they just don’t recognize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as carbs too. So let’s clear that up. We have three main macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains all fall under the carbohydrate category, along with breads and sweets. And yes—your body actually prefers carbohydrates as its primary fuel source. I explain why you can lose weight on a low-carb diet, just like you can lose weight on low-fat, low-protein, keto, paleo, or pretty much any diet—because weight loss ultimately comes down to being in a calorie deficit. But here’s the key difference: the quality of carbohydrates matters far more than cutting them out entirely. Simple, ultra-processed carbs tend to be calorie-dense, low in fiber, and quick to digest—meaning they don’t keep us full and often send us on a blood-sugar rollercoaster that fuels cravings, overeating, mood swings, and guilt. In contrast, complex carbohydrates—like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains—provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re more filling, gentler on blood sugar, and far more supportive of both physical and mental health. I also break down what “low-carb,” “moderate-carb,” and very low-carb (keto) actually mean, using real numbers and real-life examples—plus why high protein doesn’t mean zero carbs. When protein is prioritized, it actually allows more flexibility with carbohydrates, not less. Bottom line: you don’t have to fear carbs to lose weight. You can prioritize protein, choose high-quality carbohydrates, stay in a calorie deficit, and still enjoy your food—without the binge-restrict cycle. *************************************************************************** FINALLY move the chains on your weight loss goals and start making progress with your Winning at Weight Loss Breakthrough Session! This is a 1 hour, 1 on 1 coaching session where I will complete a full lifestyle audit & give you the game plan you need to start WINNING. Click here to get started: https://bit.ly/winatweightlossnow Join my free email list for weekly inspo, first dibs on new offers and recaps of the week’s podcast episodes: https://bit.ly/mtanweekly Email me: [email protected]
What this episode covers
Who loves carbs?? Me! 🙋🏻♀️ In this episode, I’m tackling one of the most misunderstood—and unfairly villainized—topics in nutrition: carbohydrates. When I ask people what carbs are, most answers sound the same: bread, pasta, rice, cookies, cake, bagels. And while those foods are carbohydrates, they’re only part of the story. Many people genuinely believe they “don’t eat carbs at all,” yet when we review their intake, carbohydrates are clearly present—they just don’t recognize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as carbs too. So let’s clear that up. We have three main macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains all fall under the carbohydrate category, along with breads and sweets. And yes—your body actually prefers carbohydrates as its primary fuel source. I explain why you can lose weight on a low-carb diet, just like you can lose weight on low-fat, low-protein, keto, paleo, or pretty much any diet—because weight loss ultimately comes down to being in a calorie deficit. But here’s the key difference: the quality of carbohydrates matters far more than cutting them out entirely. Simple, ultra-processed carbs tend to be calorie-dense, low in fiber, and quick to digest—meaning they don’t keep us full and often send us on a blood-sugar rollercoaster that fuels cravings, overeating, mood swings, and guilt. In contrast, complex carbohydrates—like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains—provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re more filling, gentler on blood sugar, and far more supportive of both physical and mental health. I also break down what “low-carb,” “moderate-carb,” and very low-carb (keto) actually mean, using real numbers and real-life examples—plus why high protein doesn’t mean zero carbs. When protein is prioritized, it actually allows more flexibility with carbohydrates, not less. Bottom line: you don’t have to fear carbs to lose weight. You can prioritize protein, choose high-quality carbohydrates, stay in a calorie deficit, and still enjoy your food—without the binge-restrict cycle. *************************************************************************** FINALLY move the chains on your weight loss goals and start making progress with your Winning at Weight Loss Breakthrough Session! This is a 1 hour, 1 on 1 coaching session where I will complete a full lifestyle audit & give you the game plan you need to start WINNING. Click here to get started: https://bit.ly/winatweightlossnow Join my free email list for weekly inspo, first dibs on new offers and recaps of the week’s podcast episodes: https://bit.ly/mtanweekly Email me: [email protected]
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23 | Can you lose weight and lose weight fast on a low carb diet?
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