Induction

• The first phase of the Atkins low-carb diet is called induction. During induction, or the first level of any low-carb diet, food choices are strictly limited. Alcoholic beverages of any kind are prohibited completely due to their effect on the body's fat-burning process.
  
  

Weight Loss

• Removing, or severely limiting, carbohydrates from the diet forces the body to burn fat for fuel, which results in weight loss. Alcohol, however, is also used as fuel for the body's energy needs. Drinking alcohol allows the body to use it for energy instead of burning fat, which causes weight loss to stop.
  
  

Water Retention

• Alcohol is a diuretic, which causes excessive water loss, leading to dehydration. As the body becomes dehydrated, it begins to hold onto water as much as possible, retaining fluids to compensate for the fluid lost. The excess water in the body that results from alcohol consumption shows up as bloating and weight gain, regardless of the level of carbohydrate restriction in the diet.
  
  

Weight Gain

• Weight gained due to water retention as a result of alcohol consumption while on a low-carb diet is not lasting. Adequate water intake will correct the problem quickly. In addition, while alcohol temporarily stops the burning of fat that occurs on a low-carb diet, the weight loss will continue once the alcohol is no longer being consumed.
  
  

Mixers

• When drinking alcohol on a low-carb diet, it is important to be aware that all drinks are not created alike. A sweet, fizzy drink is more than likely loaded with sugar, which is not allowed on a low-carb diet. Juices and soft drinks should be avoided as mixers, but diet soda without sugar is an acceptable alternative.