I'm a big fan of Mexican food, but not a fan of all the fat that usually goes along with it. That doesn't hold me back from enjoying it whenever I want, though. I just order or make each dish in a much smarter and healthier way.

Homemade Tortilla Chips are a staple item and the great news is, they're painfully easy to make. I whip up a batch quickly and serve them with salsa (which is naturally nonfat) or my Fat Free Mexican O-Layered Dip.

Both recipes are available in my online recipe book at Fitzness.com, and I hope you'll give them a try. Other fun toppings to add to your chips are lean grilled meat, veggies, low fat or nonfat cheeses and sour cream.

Just like any other style of cooking, whenever you ditch the oil, butter and fatty sauces ... you'll end up with a much healthier meal. Ole!

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Reader Laura, in response to the post A healthy spin on oatmeal raisin cookies, shares another healthy take on a classic cookie: Chocolate chip cookies.

With whole wheat pastry flour for whole-grain goodness and fiber, dark chocolate chips full of antioxidants, and less sugar and salt than any traditional recipe, these are cookies you'll surely love. The best part about them: They'll love you back.

Ingredients

1 cup canola oil
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs (Omega-3)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup oat bran flour
1-¼ cup rolled oats
½ cup chopped walnuts
2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips

Preparation

• Place the first four ingredients in a bowl and beat until creamy.

• Add the oat bran flour and rolled oats and mix again.
  
• Add the walnuts and chocolate chips to the mix.

• Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets.

• Finally, bake in a pre-heated 375 degree F oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown (they should still be soft).
  

Thanks for sharing, Laura. We love healthy treats.

If you haven't heard about the benefits of flaxseed yet, where have you been hiding? The superfood is full of fiber, can lower cholesterol as well as reduce the risk of heart disease, may protect again breast cancer and contains tonnes of Omega-3 fatty acids. So if you haven't added it to your diet, now is as good a time as any.

Many people choose to grind the seed, which can be found at most local grocery and health food stores, in a coffee bean grinder and then sprinkle it into yogurt, cereal or even pasta sauce. If you'd like a few new ideas, take a look at the three tasty recipes listed here.

You can treat yourself to a Raspberry Smoothie, try a delectable Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin or whip up some Flaxseed and Blueberry Pancakes, which include another superfood (blueberries) as a main ingredient. Having taken a look at the recipes, I'm already craving one of the Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins.

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Frito Lay is introducing a new brand of healthier chips called Flat Earth. The new line of snack crisps are made with real fruits and vegetables. Flat Earth fruit crisps and veggie crisps are available in six flavors: Farmland Cheddar; Garlic & Herb Field; Tangy Tomato Ranch; Wild Berry Patch; Apple Cinnamon Grove; and Peach Mango Paradise and retail for $2.99 (6 oz.).

The Flat Earth slogan is "impossibly good" and the logo is a flying pig. All to the suggestion that what once was thought to be an impossible task of creating a chip that was both nutritious and delicious, is now a reality. The vice president of innovation at Frito Lay, North America, Joe Ennan, says that, "Today's consumer demand for healthier options was our call to action to develop the unique brand of Flat Earth baked snacks."

You can learn more about Flat Earth, by visiting FritoLay.Com. If you've tried them, comment about your experience.

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["How Many Calories" is a regular feature that reveals the surprising calorie content in various foods. Thought-provoking, indeed. We're always on the lookout for surprising calorie counts, so let us know what you're finding and we may blog about it!]

Synder's of Hanover makes some great snacks, especially if you like pretzels and potato chips. Their EatSmart line was developed for consumers who like the flavors of the traditional products, but wanted an extra healthy boost. All the EatSmart foods are made with organic, all-natural ingredients, as well as ingredients like corn and "garden fresh vegetables." But does the inclusion of all-natural ingredients make something healthy? How many calories do you think are in a 1-ounce serving (about 15 chips) of EatSmart Veggie Crisps?

(a) 120 cal, 1g fat
(b) 140 cal, 4.5g fat
(c) 140 cal, 7g fat
(d) 150 cal, 7g fat

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