When it comes to dips and dressings, we pretty much know which ones are the bad guys: Things that are cream-based, made with cheese, high in fat or all of the above. So when snacking, we healthy eaters tend to lean towards nutritious things with nutrients and fiber. Vegetable-based snacks like salsa and guacamole fit the bill, right?

Salsa, yes. But guacamole? Is it healthy? What do you think?

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Ever wonder what exactly the most fit and trim folks put in their bodies for nutrition -- folks like, say, Lance Armstrong? I mean, what powers that guy on the bike and in all those marathons? Well, Texas guacamole, for one.

Check out this Armstrong family recipe -- Armstrong tells Good Housekeeping magazine it belongs to his mom -- and give it a try when you're in the mood for something hearty and healthy.

Texas Guacamole

Ingredients

3 ripe avocados
1 T. grated white onion
1.5 T. picante sauce
Squeeze of fresh lemon
Pinch of garlic salt

Preparation

Peel avocados and remove seeds. Scoop avocados into large bowl and coarsely mash with fork. Stir in remaining ingredients until blended. Makes two cups.

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I hope this news makes you as happy as it just made me. Wholly Guacamole, my very favorite pre-made guacamole, has come out with 100 Calorie Snack Pack.

Wholly Guacamole is made of avocados, spices, and not a lot else. It is "Fresherized," meaning that they use pressure to preserve the product, not chemicals. In the regular size, they offer Classic, Spicy, Pico Style, Guaca Salsa, and Organic. So far, the 100 calorie packs are just available in the Classic flavor, but hey, I have no complaints.

Why am I so excited about this new option? Avocados have all kinds of health benefits (and a guac like this is a good source of avocado), but they are a bit higher in calories and fat then most fruits and veggies. I know perfectly well how much guacamole I should put on my plate. However, when that bowl is in front of me, it's really, really hard to take just what I should have and walk away. Having only 100 calories in the packs (and they come in packs of three or six) is just what I need to help me with my guacamole portion control.

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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.

The Glycemic Index diet is one of the more popular weight-loss solutions out there, and luckily for people on it, there are lots of resources out there for people following the plan. For instance, ediets has come up with this handy list of snacks that are GI Diet-friendly, not to mention delicious sounding. Whole wheat mini pizzas? Yum! Other treats that made the list? Popcorn with just a touch of olive oil and parmesan, smoothies, fruit, cheese (preferably the low-fat variety), nuts and a variety of yummy dips like guacamole and hummus. I don't know about you but my mouth is watering.

What's your favourite GI or low-carb snack?

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