If I wanted to lose fat and get leaner, I wouldn’t start by counting carbs.
Carbohydrates get a lot of attention—sometimes too much. But from what I’ve learned, there are really just two things that would matter most if I wanted to simplify the process and still get results:
1. Calories
2. Protein (as a helpful second priority)
🎯 First, Calories
If my goal was to get leaner, the main thing I’d pay attention to would be total daily calories.
Let’s say I wanted to stay under 2,000 calories per day.
That would be my daily ceiling.
If I could stay under that number consistently, I’d likely be in a calorie deficit—which is the foundation for fat loss.
I know that tracking can feel overwhelming at times, but if I were aiming to make progress, keeping track of calories would be the one number I’d prioritize.
🍗 Then, Protein
After calories, the second number I’d probably pay attention to is protein.
Let’s say I wanted to get down to 180 pounds—then I’d try to eat around 180 grams of protein per day.
That comes out to about 60 grams per meal if I were eating three meals per day.
If I kept protein high, it would help with a few things:
- Staying full
- Supporting lean muscle
- Making meals more satisfying overall
So if I could combine a calorie ceiling (like 2,000) with a protein minimum (like 180 grams), I think I’d be in a really solid spot.
🧠 What About Carbs?
I wouldn’t worry about them.
If my calories were in check, my carb intake would naturally be in check too. I could still eat foods I enjoy as long as I stayed within that daily calorie range.
In other words, I wouldn’t have to cut carbs to lose fat.
🧮 Here’s How It Could Look:
If I were aiming for 2,000 calories and 180 grams of protein, I might break it up like this:
- Meal 1: ~600 calories, ~60g protein
- Meal 2: ~700 calories, ~60g protein
- Meal 3: ~700 calories, ~60g protein
The protein would add up to 180g, and the rest of my calories could come from carbs and fats—whatever fit my preferences and appetite that day.
✅ What I’d Focus On:
- Stay under a certain number of calories each day
- Try to eat enough protein
- Let everything else—especially carbs—fall into place naturally
That would be a simpler and more sustainable way to go about it.