Why are cheeseburgers so popular? Could it be because of the experience one has when diving into a juicy, charbroiled bite loaded with melted cheese, crunchy vegetables and toasted buns?

Is it at all possible to enjoy eating something that is more nutritious? Of course!

“Flavor is one of the things that makes eating so enjoyable,” said art student Rachel Stringari, 19.

There is no need to sacrifice flavor for a satisfying meal. For a nutritious meal at De Anza College’s cafeteria, try ordering the Tuscany tuna sandwich instead of a cheeseburger.

With fewer calories, the tuna contains healthy fish oils and the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids while containing no saturated fat. Tuna is also a good source of protein.

The Tuscan tuna sandwich includes olive oil – a fat that protects against heart disease by balancing different cholesterol levels – and fiber-rich artichoke hearts.

Other ingredients are olives, roasted peppers, feta cheese, onion, lettuce, tomato, and provolone cheese, on any choice of bread. Whole wheat is a great complement to the flavor and is not a sugary, refined starch.

Compared to a cheeseburger combo with fries and a drink, a 4 inch sandwich and a half salad combo packs a punch filled with the benefits of tuna and leafy greens.

Try the combo with the spring greens salad. The salad includes spinach – which can help prevent against type-2 diabetes and even improve sight – and grilled chicken to add more protein to your meal.

Ever try salad without dressing? Dried cranberries in the salad sweeten each bite already. Cut out the dressing and cut back on fat, sodium, and calories. If you must add flavor to the salad, try sprinkling a little pepper in your salad. And don’t forget that each sandwich also comes with chips or fruit. Of course the latter, adds even more nutrition and energy compared to a salty, greasy bag of chips.