| Mexican cuisine is a style of food that began in | | | | sodium chicken broth rather than using salt, and bean |
| Mexico, and is widely known for its vibrant flavor and | | | | dishes can be prepared with the use of fresh |
| amazing decoration. Rice, beans, tortillas, and a wide | | | | ingredients as well. |
| variety of spices are commonly used in many Mexican | | | | Milk is another popular ingredient used in Mexican |
| dishes, along with beef, pork, chicken, and a range of | | | | cooking, along with other high fat dairy products such |
| different peppers. Mexican recipes vary from region to | | | | as cheese and sour cream. While these are key |
| region, but many of the same original ideas are still | | | | ingredients in many popular recipes, the dairy products |
| seen all over the globe today. Mexican cuisine is | | | | can be replaced with low-fat or fat-free versions in |
| typically cooked in large amounts of grease and fat, | | | | order to lower the fat intake. Using low-fat milk in a |
| making it one of the most fattening styles of food in | | | | recipes rather than whole milk can reduce the caloric |
| the world. | | | | intake by almost half, depending on the amount of milk |
| Although authentic Mexican food can be unhealthy, | | | | and other dairy products used in the dish. |
| there are many great recipes available for healthy | | | | Eggs are a main ingredient found in various breakfast |
| Mexican meals. One ingredient that can easily be | | | | dishes, and although they are healthy, many egg |
| replaced is grease, which is usually a staple when | | | | recipes are packed full of fat and calories. Huevos |
| making dishes prepared with tortillas. Many Mexican | | | | rancheros, a popular dish around the world, are |
| recipes involve frying tortillas, such as taquitos, tacos, | | | | typically prepared using whole eggs, oil, various salsas, |
| and even tostadas. While the fried tortillas are usually | | | | and fried tortillas. Egg whites can be used rather than |
| the main portion of the dish, using oil to prepare them | | | | whole eggs, and tortillas can be prepared in the oven |
| adds unhealthy fat and caloric intake. One alternative | | | | rather than in a frying pan with oil. Fresh salsas and |
| would be using soft tortillas, such as making soft tacos | | | | peppers can be added in place of salt and seasonings, |
| rather than frying the tortillas. There are also several | | | | and the dish will still come out tasting amazing. |
| recipes that involve tortillas without being fried, such as | | | | With the rising incidence of obesity occurring, it is best |
| quesadillas or baked tortilla chips. | | | | to find healthier alternatives for many popular dishes. |
| Another problem that can make Mexican food | | | | Because Mexican food is well known for its high fat |
| unhealthy is the amount of sodium in the dishes, which | | | | and calorie total, it is important to try low-fat and |
| gives the food the strong flavor many love. The | | | | fat-free alternatives since they still contain the bold |
| excessive use of salt and salt-based spices can be | | | | flavor most Mexican cuisine is known for. A delicious |
| eliminated, but the flavor can still remain with the use of | | | | meal doesn't have to be full of fat, and healthy |
| hot chili peppers and fresh vegetables such as onions | | | | Mexican food can still taste amazing with the help of |
| and bell peppers. Rice can be prepared with low | | | | low-fat ingredients and fresh vegetables and spices. |