IN BRIEF (Page 19)

Some tips to stave off the munchies

Nibbling on goodies between meals often makes it hard to lose weight, according to the Berlin-based consumer protection group Stiftung Warentest. The best protection against these excess calories is to not have the tempting foods around, so well-considered shopping lists can help.

Besides deciding what is really necessary before entering the store, the dieter should read the list of ingredients on packaged foods carefully. At the top of the list are those in the greatest portions. When fat and sugar are up there, the food is not particularly figure-friendly. Nevertheless, Stiftung Warentest says that committing a "food sin" now and then is permissible because otherwise the dieter might quickly become frustrated and quit.