Look for the reduced fat version of your favorite cheese. Sometimes the texture will be affected when melted, but in most mixed dishes it isn't noticeable. Also, some reduced fat cheeses are not really much lower in fat. Experiment with herbs and spices, or garlic and onions to enhance flavors while reducing the total fat in the recipe. Substitute lean ground turkey breast for hamburger.
Fats play a major role in food taste and texture.
Some fat is essential in our diets - vitamins A, D, E, and K, and essential fatty acids are vital to good health and body functions. But consumer demand for reduced fat foods keeps food scientists busy creating fat replacers that successfully mimic fat. The technology behind this focuses on determining what function a type of fat has in a particular food and then finding the right ingredients that will successfully replace the fat. Fat replacers that are carbohydrate based have been used safely for many years, e.g., starches, gums, fiber. These are used in baked and cooked foods but not in frying.