5. Apple Tuna Salad

For something totally different, try this apple tuna salad. With apples and cranberries you get extra dietary fiber and a surprising sweetness to balance out the tartness of red onion and balsamic vinegar. Feel free to substitute the dressing to any other kind that you like.

2 cups romaine lettuce, torn into bite sized pieces
1 chopped green apple
2 tbsp dried cranberries
4-5 rings of sliced red onion
1 can of tuna
1/2 cup sliced avocado
1 tbsp olive oil with 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar for dressing

Toss all ingredients in a large bowl except the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Combine these last two ingredients and then drizzle over top.

6. Tuna Pizza

If you're a pizza fanatic but don't like what it does to your waistline, this is a much healthier alternative. Not only is this pizza lower in carbohydrates, but it's packed with nutrition from fresh veggies to protein and slow-digesting carbs.

1 small whole wheat soft tortilla
2 tbsp pizza sauce
1 can of tuna
Sliced mushrooms, onions, red peppers
Sprinkling of low-fat, grated mozzarella cheese
Spices to taste: salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, fresh garlic or garlic powder

Smear the pizza sauce over the soft tortilla and then spread the tuna evenly over top. Next, add the sliced vegetables over the pizza, throw on the spices you like, and then sprinkle the cheese on top.

Place in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the tortilla looks crispy.

7. Tuna 'N Dill Pickles

Another quick and easy recipe, this one can be made in minutes, and it's easy to prepare a large batch to keep in the fridge and grab for a quick lunch before you head out the door in the morning. Serve it on a whole wheat roll or with any other carb of your choice.

1 can of tuna
3-4 pickles, sliced
1 tbsp low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste
1 whole wheat roll

Slice the pickles into small pieces and then mix into the can of tuna. Stir in the low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise and then add salt and pepper to taste.

8. Italian Tuna Pita

A great option for a fast lunch, this Italian tuna pita is easy to store as a quick snack for when you're trying to increase your calorie intake. As with the rest of these recipes, you get a balance of all three macronutrients: proteins, carbs, and fats. That means lasting energy throughout the afternoon from this healthy meal.

1 whole wheat pita
1 can tuna
2 tbsp Italian salad dressing
Shredded lettuce
2-3 cherry tomatoes
3-4 slices cucumber

Combine the tuna with 1 tbsp Italian salad dressing and place in the pita. Add in the shredded lettuce, the cherry tomatoes, and the cucumbers, and then drizzle with the remaining Italian salad dressing.

To finish off, don't forget to arm yourself with a sharp can-opener for quick canned-tuna access. Whether you're building a lean-muscle foundation, toning up, or trying to reach peak physical condition, tuna can be your best friend when it comes to nutrition. Don't listen to the tuna-haters, and try a little creativity with this time-saving, lean protein source. Your taste buds won't regret it.