Why Low-Carb Diets Don’t Work for Weight Loss with Hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s

If you’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, chances are you’ve been told that the key to weight loss is to "eat less" and "exercise more."

Maybe you’ve tried going low-carb, cutting out all sugar, skipping breakfast, pushing through intense workouts — and yet, the scale hasn’t budged. Or worse, you've gained more weight, feel more exhausted, and your symptoms have intensified.

Sound familiar?

You're not alone — and here's the truth:
Low-carb dieting doesn’t work for weight loss when you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s. In fact, it can make things worse.

Let’s break down why that is — and what to do instead.

The Low-Carb Trap for Thyroid Conditions

When your thyroid is underactive (hello, hypothyroidism) or autoimmunity is involved (Hashimoto’s), your body is already under stress.

Going low-carb, skipping meals, or cutting calories adds more stress. That stress raises your cortisol levels — a hormone that, when chronically elevated, tells your body to hold on to fat, especially around your belly.

Even if you’re doing all the “right” things, like green smoothies and HIIT workouts — your body is in survival mode.

Here’s what happens:

• Exercise harder → Cortisol spikes

• Eat less → Cortisol spikes

• Cut carbs → Cortisol spikes

And what does cortisol do?
It blocks weight loss, increases inflammation, and leaves you feeling exhausted, foggy, and frustrated.

The Fix? Eat More Carbs (Yes, Really!)

The solution isn’t to restrict more — it’s to nourish more.

For women with thyroid disease, eating real, quality carbohydrates at regular meals helps calm cortisol, regulate blood sugar, and support optimal thyroid function.

You need fuel to make hormones, regulate metabolism, and restore energy.

Carbs are not the enemy. In fact, they’re the key to finally feeling better.

So What Should You Eat?

Think slow, steady carbs — the kind that come from whole, unprocessed foods:

• 🍌 Fruit (bananas, berries, apples, mangoes)

• 🥔 Potatoes & sweet potatoes

• 🍚 Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and millet

• 🍠 Starchy veggies like squash, beets, and parsnips

Not only do these foods provide energy for your cells, they’re rich in antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and plant compounds that nourish your immune system and support healing.

3 Simple Steps to Start Eating for Thyroid Healing & Weight Loss

Transitioning away from low-carb doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be simple — and even enjoyable. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Plan Your Meals

Stop making last-minute meal decisions. When you plan your meals, you reduce stress, avoid skipping, and give your body what it needs. Start with just 3 days at a time — breakfast, lunch, dinner.

📝 Pro Tip: Batch cook roasted potatoes, prep smoothie bags, or cook a pot of brown rice in advance.

Step 2: Start with a Carb-Rich Breakfast

Instead of eggs and bacon alone, opt for meals that fuel your day. Try:

• A smoothie with fruit + greens + chia seeds

• Oatmeal topped with berries and almond butter

• Sweet potato toast with honey and cinnamon

Breakfast sets the tone for your blood sugar, mood, and metabolism all day long.

Step 3: Add Starchy Veggies to Lunch & Dinner

Protein is important, but for thyroid health, carbs need to take center stage. Aim for:

• ½ of your plate = starchy veggies or whole grains

• ¼ of your plate = quality protein (chicken, turkey, tofu, etc.)

• ¼ of your plate = leafy greens or other non-starchy veggies

This approach gives your cells the fuel they need to turn food into energy and helps lower inflammation over time.

The Bottom Line

If you're dealing with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, weight loss isn’t about restriction — it’s about regulation.

Regulating your hormones, calming your nervous system, and fueling your body with the right foods at the right times.

It's not magic. It’s biology.
And it takes practice.

You don't need another diet — you need a new strategy. One rooted in nourishment, not punishment.

Ready to take the guesswork out of it?

Join my FREE Live training On June 2nd, where I will cover ALL of this plus go over supplements, medication do's and don't, AND the some secret tools to help jump start your weight loss journey. We're talking consistent weight loss month -to-month and regaining your energy ALL WHILE you labs improve.

sign-up HERE!!

✨ You deserve to feel good again — and it starts with what’s on your plate!!