Instead of slaving over a stove in the morning, buy packaged 50% reduced-fat bacon pieces. You’ll save tons of time, and you’ll be less likely to overindulge because you won’t have the smell of bacon wafting through the house for hours. Look for the bacon pieces near the croutons and other salad ingredients in your favorite grocery store. Or, if you love them as much as I do, head to Costco and buy them in a big bag. They keep fresh in the refrigerator for a long time.

　　

Ingredients

makes 1 serving

　　Olive oil spray

　　3 large egg whites

　　1 (about 8-inch diameter) reduced-fat, whole-wheat flour tortilla

　　3/4 ounce (about 1/3 cup) finely shredded light Swiss cheese

　　1 tablespoon 50% less fat real bacon pieces (I used Hormel)

　　1 teaspoon finely chopped cilantro leaves, or more to taste (optional)

　　

Microwave Instructions

Step 1

Lightly mist a small, microwave-safe bowl with spray. Add the egg whites and microwave for 30 seconds on low. Continue microwaving them in 30-second intervals until they are just a bit runny on top. Then using a fork, stir them to break into large “scrambled” pieces. By the time you “scramble” and stir them, the residual heat should have cooked away the runniness. If they are still undercooked, cook them in 10-second intervals until just done.

　　

Step 2

Place a nonstick frying pan large enough for the tortilla to lie flat over medium-high heat. Add the tortilla (no need to add any fat). Sprinkle half the cheese over half the tortilla, followed by half the bacon. Spoon the egg evenly over the cheese and bacon, followed by the remaining cheese, bacon, and cilantro, if desired. Fold the bare half over the filled half. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is beginning to melt and the tortilla is lightly browned in spots. Carefully flip the filled tortilla over and cook until the cheese is completely melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the quesadilla to a serving plate and cut it into 4 wedges. Serve immediately.

　　

Stovetop Instructions

Step 3

Follow the directions above, but instead of microwaving the egg whites, simply scramble them in a nonstick skillet lightly misted with spray over medium heat.

　　

nutrition information

Step 4

Calories: 238

　　

Step 5

Protein: 24g

　　

Step 6

Carbohydrates: 24g

　　

Step 7

Fat: 6g

　　

Step 8

Saturated Fat: 2g

　　

Step 9

Cholesterol: 18mg

　　

Step 10

Fiber: 2g

　　

Step 11

Sodium: 580mg

　　Reprinted with permission from I Can't Believe It's Not Fattening! by Devin Alexander. Copyright © 2010 Devin Alexander. Published by Clarkson Potter Publishers, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.Devin Alexander is the author of The Most Decadent Diet Ever, Fast Food Fix, and coauthor of The New York Times bestsellers The Biggest Loser Cookbook and The Biggest Loser Family Cookbook. She was a chef on NBC's The Biggest Loser and the host of Healthy Decadence on Discover Health and FitTV.