There are now more offices across the country. Census.gov reports that over a third of Americans work from home. However, the number who commute to work every day is growing.

In the APA’s Stress in America™ poll conducted in February 2021, 42 percent of Americans reported undesired weight gain during COVID-19 quarantines, lockdowns and work-from-home time. The average weight gain was 29 pounds.

To get back into a healthier routine once you head into the office, Courtney McCormick, registered dietitian and manager of clinical research & nutrition at Nutrisystem, offers these simple tips.

Pile on the Fruits: You’ll be able to overcome any odds and keep your eyes on the prize. Non-starchy vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers and peppers, are high in vitamins, minerals and fiber. However, they are low in calories. Fiber helps you feel full and not bloated.

Take satiating snacks with you to work: Healthy snacks are the best option. You may feel drained by 3 p.m. and want to grab some bagels from your coworkers or go to the vending machines. Make sure you have a variety of options to satisfy your hunger pangs.

Plan meals in advance: Meal preparation ahead of time can help keep you on track when it is time for lunch at work. Because they can be prepared in advance, such as the Nutrisystem or power-bowl recipes, healthy lunch meals are easy to prepare and are more filling than a simple salad. For a quick and easy way to make chicken, you can use the slow cooker or grill.

Keep in the know: Once you have started your healthy meal preparation, make sure to keep yourself updated with all of the information. You’ll want to go to lunch with a colleague or friend if they invite you. It’s likely that it’s your first in over a year. Don’t worry about the order, just focus on the experience. Before you go, check out the online menu to see which options will be best for you.

You can add to your efforts by staying hydrated and active throughout the day. Bring a water bottle with you to keep hydrated throughout the day. Also, plan to go for a walk with a colleague at lunchtime. Visit Nutrisystem’s The Leaf for more great tips. leaf.nutrisystem.com.

Today’s life is very fast. The rise of digital technology has allowed people to communicate with each other via the internet and simultaneously check their children’s soccer scores. With the advent of the Internet, consumers can expect the same conveniences from all services and businesses except their insurance companies. For many people struggling to pay their medical bills, this can seem like a long wait, even though 98 percent of claims for health insurance are processed in 30 days.

With almost two-thirds American households earning less than 2002, being insured is not enough. It is vital to understand how quickly and efficiently your insurance carrier pays claims. This is critical for both financial recovery and physical recovery.

Recent research found that 66% would not be able to adjust to the high financial cost of serious illnesses or injuries. Only 49% of workers have over $1,000 to pay out-of-pocket costs. Employers are being forced to reduce costs as rising health care costs put even more financial pressure on their employees.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

A lot of people will have to wait for up to a few months before receiving their insurance payments. Many insurance companies are able to offer fast service because they have better technology and an understanding of today’s consumer needs. This is one example. AflacIt is almost rare for insurance companies to offer policies that include claims processing, approval, and payment in a single day.

Fast payment policies are no longer luxury items of the past. It is a necessity in today’s world. It’s vital to have funds readily available for serious illness or injury. You should ensure that your insurance company can move at your pace.

Aflac’s One Day Pay guarantee can be found on aflac.com/onedaypay.