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Shape, Nov, 2004 by Suzanne Schlosberg

In addition to looking for the words 100% whole wheat, choose breads that offer at least 3 grams of fiber per slice. These include Oroweat 100% Whole Wheat (3 grams of fiber and 90 calories per slice) and Food for Life's The Original Bran for Life Bread (5 grams of fiber per 80-calorie slice).

If you prefer the taste of breads that have little or no fiber--for instance, a thick sourdough with a crunchy crust--Berning suggests compensating by piling veggies on your sandwich and eating more fruits and vegetables with your meals.

Although the fiber content is perhaps the main reason for choosing whole-grain breads, keep in mind that whole grains also contain vitamin E, selenium, iron, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins and disease-fighting phytochemicals, many of which are lost during the refining process.

Send questions to Shape, Weight-Loss Q & A, 21100 Erwin St., Woodland Hills, CA 91367; fax: (818) 704-7620; e-mail: WeightLossQ&A@Shape.com.

Suzanne Schlosberg is the author of The Curse of the Singles Table: A True Story of 1,001 Nights Without Sex (Warner Books, 2004).