Mexican food is definitely a fan favorite, but tends to be atrociously heavy in fat and calories. It doesn't have to be though, and getting the taste you like without the love handles to match isn't such a challenge.

The ingredients on almost all Mexican meals are mainly the same. Meat, beans, veggies, rice, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa and some version of a tortilla shell. Give or take a little bit of each ingredient, the meals don't vary much. Cooking at home or ordering out there's a few adjustments you can make to keep things more healthful than not.

First, choose a lean meat. Doesn't matter which one, just make it lean; not cooked in oil. Black beans or fat-free re-fried beans are your next choice. Beans are high in protein, but also high in calories so avoid too much. Fill up on those veggies, just make sure they are grilled, not sauteed. My favorite Mexican restaurant will grill mine dry, grease free. Pile on the fresh veggies like lettuce and tomatoes freely.

Take it easy on the rice. Rice is low in fat, but high in calories. Use low fat cheese, no cheese, or just use a little. Fat free and low fat sour cream is delicious, worthy of a try. Regular though is super high in fat so take it easy or avoid it all together. Guacamole is nutritious but high in fat and calories, so just a dab will do.

The tortilla requires restraint. At restaurants, refuse the free chips. If they put them on the table and you're like most folks, you'll devour the whole bowl. Hard tacos shells are also choc full o'fat. At home I use baked tortilla chips, and at a restaurant I request soft tortilla shells to enjoy some salsa with. Salsa by the way, is fantastic! Very nutritious, fat free, and low in calories. Use soft tortilla shells for all meals and you've got yourself some healthy Mexican.

Eating well while enjoying the food you traditionally like is not impossible. It just takes some strategy. You can do it! Ole!