Obama Eyes Cuts -- to Dessert Menu
Gibbs said the president said to him, "I just have to say no to dessert more often."
Discussing Mr. Obama's health, Gibbs attributed any problems to the rigors of the presidency and the campaign that preceded it.
"He has probably had a few more cheeseburgers, and I think he would admittedly tell you he's had more desserts in the past year than I've seen him eat," said Gibbs.
When one reporter protested that the president seems "skinny," Gibbs said that while the press corps seems to think Mr. Obama subsists largely on carrots, he actually indulges in items like cheeseburgers and French Fries more than reporters think.
Asked if the White House pastry chef had a mandate to make healthier desserts, particularly in light of first lady Michelle Obama's work to combat childhood obesity, Gibbs said no. The mandate for the chef is to "keep baking," while Mr. Obama has "just got to use a little more presidential restraint."
Gibbs noted that Mr. Obama eats "a lot" of the fresh apples found in the Oval Office and compared his own health unfavorably to that of the president.
"He doesn't look like me. He's doing just fine," said Gibbs, who said he wishes he was as healthy as Mr. Obama.
Earlier Monday, Mr. Obama elected to walk a short distance back to the White House following an education speech. He told reporters he wanted to work off some cholesterol.
The president is known to be a fan of the burgers at Five Guys restaurant, though his recent check-up could mean an end to his visits to the burger joint.
The president's health check-up also revealed that he continues to struggle with nicotine, though he was found to be in excellent health overall.