What the president of the United States eats: the more disturbing side of Donald Trump's diet.
Donald Trump's return to the White House brings with it not only political change, but also a renewed focus on his diet, which has generated controversy since his first term. Behind his fast-food-loving public image, there is a world of hidden efforts in presidential kitchens to balance his diet. We dig into his background and gather testimonials from chefs who have worked closely with him to unravel this issue.
The culinary legacy of Cristeta Comerford
Cristeta Comerford, White House chef for 20 years, has faced the challenge of satisfying the tastes of five different presidents. Although she recently retired, her time in Trump's service made it clear that fast food was not welcome in the kitchens of the presidential residence. "We make the best cheeseburger ever and the best fries," he told the BBC, but always with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
According to The New York Times, Comerford and his team were forced to get creative. While Trump demanded dishes like tacos or meatloaf, the chefs hid healthy foods like quinoa, kale and avocado in garnishes and sauces. This, experts explain, is an effective strategy to enhance the diet without the diner noticing.
Despite rumors of his firing during Trump's first term, Comerford continued to innovate on menus, introducing healthy items that even some guests described as "surprisingly sophisticated".
Hamburgers, tacos and meatloaf
According to chef Andre Rush, another veteran of the White House kitchens, Trump rarely ate breakfast and focused his diet on large dinners. Burgers and tacos were recurrent, but he was also prepared more elaborate dishes, such as salmon, taking advantage of the benefits of this fish for cardiovascular health. However, his fondness for chains such as McDonald's and KFC remains widely known.
CNN reported that, during presidential travels, Trump ate a "campaign diet" consisting mainly of Big Macs and chicken wings. This preference contrasts with the gourmet options offered at the White House, underscoring his attachment to fast food even in contexts where healthier alternatives abound.
In contrast to other presidents who promoted healthy initiatives, such as Michelle Obama with her fight against childhood obesity, Trump represents an opposite paradigm. His diet, rich in saturated fats, sugars and ultra-processed foods, has been described as "poison" by figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who also criticized his preference for Coca-Cola over water.
The impact of your diet on your health
Nutrition experts warn that a diet based on fast food can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic problems. At 78, Trump belongs to a risk group where eating habits play a crucial role.
Dr. Walter Willett, professor of nutrition at Harvard University, states that "modifying his diet could prolong his life expectancy and improve his cognitive performance." However, changing ingrained habits is complicated, especially in a figure as stubborn as Trump.
Will there be a change in his second term?
The question remains up in the air. Although his chefs are tasked with balancing his diet,Trump seems unwilling to abandon his preferences. From the White House kitchens, the challenge will remain to adapt dishes that meet his demands without sacrificing quality or health.
With a mixture of eccentricity and concern, Donald Trump's diet leaves no one indifferent. While it reflects his tastes and personality, it also serves as a mirror of the tensions between comfort and the need for healthy eating in public life.