Still Gaining Weight on Low-Carb? This Could Be Why…


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

Hi Reader,

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.

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 under active (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 finally lose the weight, beat the brain fog, and feel like yourself again—without guessing what to eat or relying on medication forever?
Join me for my FREE Live Masterclass: How to Lose Weight and Live Thyroid Symptom Free on June 2nd!

In just one powerful session, you’ll discover:
Why you have thyroid disease in the first place (and how to heal it)
✅ The exact foods that restore your metabolism and reduce inflammation
✅ The truth about medication—what helps, what doesn’t, and what could make symptoms worse
✅ The only supplements I recommend to speed up healing (no more wasted money!)
✅ My favorite secret tools to jumpstart consistent weight loss, month after month

PLUS, you’ll get free gifts just for showing up:
🎁 A 5-Day Thyroid Healing Meal Plan
🎁 My Thyroid-Friendly Foods List
🎁 The Essential Supplement Guide for Healing

If you’re exhausted, stuck in a cycle of trial-and-error, or sick of being told your labs are “normal” when you feel anything but — this masterclass is for you.
➡️ Reserve your seat now – it’s 100% free, but space is limited!

sign-up HERE!!

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

11103 West Ave Suite 2101, San Antonio, TX 78213

Annette the Thyroid RD

In my weekly newsletter you can expect inspiration, motivation, and answers to why your thyroid hormones are not regulating and get real solutions for gut issues.

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