Use baked tortillas for making tostadas, chips, chalupas and tacos. Experiment with different low fat cheeses for Mexican dishes. Or, mix a low fat cheese with a small quantity of regular cheese, lowering the overall fat content. Eliminate use of lard and shortening. Oils and soft tub margarine can be substituted for these in most recipes.
Liquid margarines are good choices when used in small quantities.
Adding fresh vegetables to beans, rice and vermicelli will add more vitamins. Prepare rice and pasta dishes with only a small amount of oil. Mexican rice can also be prepared by steaming rice instead of frying and adding all the usual spices for a great taste. Flour tortillas can be made with oil instead of shortening. Whole wheat tortillas made with oil are even better because they contain fiber and other healthy nutrients.