Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), recently sent an email to all his federal employees with tips on how to make healthier choices while still indulging in festive treats during the holiday season.
In a recurring section of his weekly bulletin titled "From the Administrator's Desk", Oz wrote: “We all love a fun cookie swap and potluck this time of year. With several teams across CMS hosting holiday gatherings this month, I am sharing some strategies to help you make healthier choices—while still indulging in festive treats.” He advised employees to set their intentions and decide in advance how many treats they would allow themselves to enjoy.
Oz also recommended practicing portion control, being mindful of what they eat, and not overeating. He suggested eating off a small plate when possible, taking small portions of treats, savoring each bite, putting the fork down between bites, and paying attention to their body's cues. Additionally, he advised against holding food and beverages in more than one hand, so that employees could freely shake hands with colleagues and friends during the festive period.
This is not the first time Oz has shared his opinions on healthy eating during the holidays. In a previous episode of his show, he had also offered similar advice to interested fans, but it was different from the guidance he provided in his email to CMS employees, as they are obligated to receive his emails.
It's worth noting that Oz's past recommendations have raised some concerns, particularly regarding his promotion of unproven weight loss tips and sharing incorrect information about hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine as a treatment for Covid. Nevertheless, Oz has stated that he is bringing one of the employees' ideas to the newsletter and is sharing tips for healthy snacking from now through the holidays.
The feedback on these tips from CMS employees has been positive so far, with a spokesperson saying that Dr. Oz knows it's not easy balancing a healthy lifestyle and a demanding job, which is why he offers and welcomes tips and encouragement to help his team stay healthy while working hard to ensure millions of Americans access quality healthcare.
In a recurring section of his weekly bulletin titled "From the Administrator's Desk", Oz wrote: “We all love a fun cookie swap and potluck this time of year. With several teams across CMS hosting holiday gatherings this month, I am sharing some strategies to help you make healthier choices—while still indulging in festive treats.” He advised employees to set their intentions and decide in advance how many treats they would allow themselves to enjoy.
Oz also recommended practicing portion control, being mindful of what they eat, and not overeating. He suggested eating off a small plate when possible, taking small portions of treats, savoring each bite, putting the fork down between bites, and paying attention to their body's cues. Additionally, he advised against holding food and beverages in more than one hand, so that employees could freely shake hands with colleagues and friends during the festive period.
This is not the first time Oz has shared his opinions on healthy eating during the holidays. In a previous episode of his show, he had also offered similar advice to interested fans, but it was different from the guidance he provided in his email to CMS employees, as they are obligated to receive his emails.
It's worth noting that Oz's past recommendations have raised some concerns, particularly regarding his promotion of unproven weight loss tips and sharing incorrect information about hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine as a treatment for Covid. Nevertheless, Oz has stated that he is bringing one of the employees' ideas to the newsletter and is sharing tips for healthy snacking from now through the holidays.
The feedback on these tips from CMS employees has been positive so far, with a spokesperson saying that Dr. Oz knows it's not easy balancing a healthy lifestyle and a demanding job, which is why he offers and welcomes tips and encouragement to help his team stay healthy while working hard to ensure millions of Americans access quality healthcare.