Mediaboss Marketing

By Padraig Collins and Sarah Liversidge For Daily Mail Australia 23:41 27 Mar 2023, updated 01:21 28 Mar 2023

Ex-US President Barack Obama has been praised by a senior former Australian politician for his diet discipline - as Mr Obama and wife Michelle share a ritzy lunch in Sydney.

Bob Carr, the country's former foreign minister, said on Tuesday that Mr Obama, who is in Australia on an $AUD350-per-head (USD$230) speaking tour, is extremely careful with sugar and fat.

Mr Carr said that a meal during a G20 meeting in St Petersburg, Russia in 2013, he 'noticed out of the corner of my eye as this working banquet went on, (Mr Obama) carefully separated on his plate anything that would have had sugar or fat in it.

'And I thought this guy must have had a protein shake earlier in the day to take the edge off his hunger.'

Mr Carr, who is also a former premier of the state of New South Wales, continued: 'I thought ... this guy has got admirable discipline.

'He is going to leave office with the same waist size he had when he entered.'

The former First Couple were photographed outside fine-dining restaurant Bathers' Pavilion in Balmoral on the city's north shore, after arriving in the city on Sunday night by private jet.

Probably famished from their long flight, the couple enjoyed a seafood lunch at the waterside venue, where sprawling floor-to-ceiling windows offer a stunning view of Sydney Harbor.

While being a historic, heritage listed site hailed for its hospitality, the restaurant is not exactly cheap - with a plate of smashed avocado costing $22, and mains like grilled prawns and fish pie setting you back around $45.

Upon leaving, Mrs Obama appeared somewhat unsatisfied - perhaps still tired from the long haul flight.

Video snapped outside the eatery - where a six-course degustation menu including pink snapper sashimi and handmade fettucine costs $300 - show the couple greeting dozens who descended in hopes of catching a glimpse of the pair.

Despite not making a public appearance with his wife in more than five months, Barack, 61, looked ever the statesman, waving at a crowd clearly overcome with Obamamania.

Michelle also greeted revelers following a recent spate of interviewers promoting her new book and podcast in which she revealed previously difficulties of the pair's marriage during Obama's time in office.

A witness said the couple had dined in an intimate, beachside room at the Pavilion, electing to not enjoy its famed view with the curtains closed to the outside world.

Since forfeiting their rights to Air Force One, the pair has been known to frequently fly private, despite both stating that no challenge currently poses a greater threat to the world than climate change.

Mr Carr also commended Mr Obama for his political acumen.

'He was governed by the principles, as he put it, of "no more stupid stuff" and that meant nothing as adventurous as occupying Afghanistan or invading Iraq, which had happened under his predecessor, George W Bush.

'That made it easy to deal with him because he was coolheaded and not impetuous about foreign policy,' Mr Carr said.

Former President Barack Obama was legendary for his healthy diet regime while in the White House - which even bars coffee.

Although not a complete ban, his personal aide Reggie Love has revealed the 61-year-old much prefers orange juice, green tea or just water over a latte.

He stocks up on energy at breakfast with a big pile of scrambled eggs - sometimes as many as six at one sitting - with some toast and lightly fried potatoes. Other days he may simply have some fruit, or a bowl of porridge.

Salads with lean chicken are a top choice for the presidential lunch with wife Michelle - and the couple planted the first vegetable garden at the White House in 60 years during his term in office.

More than 50 different varieties of veggies and fruit were planted at the suggestion of kitchen staff, including superfoods like kale, spinach, lettuces, berries and tomatillos.

In the evening, a family favourite is their prized chilli con carne made from their own unique recipe which includes red wine vinegar, turmeric and basil.

To wash it down, he skips all fizzy soft drinks and grabs a beer - possibly even brewed by himself. He became the first President in history to make home brew in the White House with his chef Sam Kass.

In between meals, he'll power up on the road with a handful of trail mix, almonds and pistachios and the occasional guilty treat ofchocolate roasted peanut protein bars. He counters that though by also snacking on broccoli and spinach.

LOVES

Water, vegetables, nuts, simple nourishing food

HATES

Soft drinks, salt and vinegar crisps, mayonnaise, ketchup, fatty British food - and asparagus

Read more here:
Bob Carr sheds light on Barack Obama's unique eating habits - Daily Mail