Bob Carr sheds light on the unique eating habits of Barack Obama

A prominent former Australian politician has praised former US President Barack Obama for his dietary discipline – the Obamas and his wife, Michelle, are sharing a lavish lunch in Sydney.

Bob Carr, the country’s former foreign minister, said on Tuesday that Obama, who is in Australia on a A$350 ($230) speaking tour, is very careful about sugar and fat.

Over a meal during a G-20 meeting in St Petersburg, Russia in 2013, Mr. Carr said, “he observed out of the corner of my eye as this business banquet continued, (Mr. Obama) carefully separating on his plate anything that had sugar or fat on it.”

And I thought this guy had a protein shake earlier in the day to quench his hunger.

Carr, who is also a former NSW Premier, continued: “I thought…this guy has an impressive discipline.

“He will leave the office with the same waist size as when he entered.”

The ex-couple was photographed outside the gourmet restaurant Bathers Pavilion in Balmoral on the city’s north shore, after arriving in town Sunday night on a private jet.

Perhaps hungry from their long trip, the couple reveled in a seafood lunch at a waterside setting, where floor-to-ceiling windows afforded a stunning view of Sydney Harbour.

Despite being a heritage-listed historic site hailed for its hospitality, the restaurant isn’t exactly cheap – a bowl of mashed avocado costs $22, and mains like grilled prawns and fish pie will set you back about $45.

On departure, Mrs. Obama appeared somewhat dissatisfied — perhaps still tired from the long flight.

Video taken outside the restaurant—where a six-course degustation menu including pink snapper sashimi and handmade fettuccine costs $300—shows the couple greeting the dozens who have dropped by hoping to catch a glimpse of the pair.

Despite not being seen in public with his wife in more than five months, Barack, 61, has always looked like a statesman, waving to a crowd clearly overwhelmed with Obama.

Michelle also greeted revelers after a recent flurry of interviewers promoting her new book and podcast in which she revealed past difficulties in the couple’s marriage during Obama’s time in office.

A witness said the couple dined in an intimate beachfront room in the Pavilion, choosing not to enjoy its famous view with the curtains closed on the outside world.

Since giving up their rights to Air Force One, the couple have been known to fly frequently in private, although they say no challenge currently poses a greater threat to the world than climate change.

Carr also praised Mr. Obama for his political acumen.

He was governed by the principles of “no more stupidity,” as he put it, which meant nothing like an adventure like occupying Afghanistan or invading Iraq, which happened under his predecessor, George W. Bush.

“This made it easy to deal with him because he was so light-hearted and inconsiderate about foreign policy,” Carr said.