No sweet maduros dripping with grease, no deep-fried croquetas or rich, fatty chunks of lechon asado. No, this is Latinlite by Fat Busters, home of Cuban Lite, where the mantra is: “No added fat or sugar.” And before you dismiss this small strip-center cafeteria/cantina as an insult to real Cuban cooking, at least sample the wares. Turkey meatballs, turkey picadillo, grilled chicken breast, tuna-stuffed sweet pepper, meatless congri. Steamed plantains, steamed pumpkin with mojo, and no-fat black beans with rice are surprisingly savory. Many other less-traditional fish and pasta dishes grace the extensive menu, which changes weekly. It’s all the brainchild of Thais Carreño, a Cuban who learned to cook light for her health and then started her own business three years ago. You’re welcome to eat on the premises, but Latinlite by Fat Busters is more of a take-out deli. Carreno and company will also prepare (and deliver, if requested) an entrée and three sides every day, cooked to your individual diet requirements.

“Miami’s own Thais Carreno is one of four “Shining Lights” honored in the October issue of Cooking Light Magazine. Carreno, who was featured in Food & Fitness last year, is singled out for her contributions to healthful Cuban cooking.”

“You won’t find butter, heavy oils, eggs or beef in Thais’ kitchen, but you will find eggbeaters, low fat and fat free sour cream, low fat milk, and plenty of white meats.”