The counting calories vs. counting carbs for weight loss question is common. Which is the better stat for dieting?
It comes down to finding a diet that works best for you. If you prefer to watch calories instead of carbohydrates, you can still lose weight. It's all about calories going in versus calories going out. Lower your caloric intake, and you'll see results.
Some would argue that the reason why low-carb gets all the promotion as a weight loss solution comes down to calorie density. When you eat low-carbohydrate foods, you’re often eating foods that are low in calories as well (not always, but often). Unprocessed meats are free of carbohydrates with plenty of filling lean protein. Vegetables, herbs, and spices add flavor but keep the carb count low. That means a lot of bang for your calorie buck.
At the same time, vegetables have a low-caloric density—meaning you can eat a lot of vegetables for a low number of calories. So any vegetable-forward meal with lean protein is likely to be low-calorie.
Where calories (and carbs) stack up is in foods high in sugars and starches. Foods like bread, white rice, traditional pasta, cakes, and cookies are high in carbs and calories. These sugary foods burn off quickly. You eat them, but then you feel hungry again a short time later.
If you want to stay full, it's best to look for foods high in filling fiber and lean protein. Seek out low-calorie foods as the base of your meal. Then you can afford to splurge on a few higher-calorie garnishes like a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a little olive oil. These healthier fats will also satisfy you and keep your low-calorie meal from veering into the deprivation zone.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to avoiding that feeling of restriction. You will lose weight if you can still enjoy your favorite foods in a modified, low-calorie way.