And, what Michelle will be wearing (of course). And how the kids will react (so fun to have such vibrant, relatable kids in the White House). And maybe even what the Obamas will be snacking on as they wait for the swearing in, get ready for the balls, and settle in to the White House.
To be honest, the question of what snacks Barack Obama eats didn't even cross my mind until a big basket of his favorite healthy foods arrived on my doorstep. It was filled with things I also love to eat and I had one of those silly moments of connection and glee ("EEE! Mr. Obama and I both love pistachios! And mandarin oranges! How fortuitous! How coincidental! How fabulous!"). And then as I broke open the bags and bottles, I wondered what it is that really will keep the new president fueled up for all that negotiating, baby kissing, hand shaking, and leading of one of the most powerful global communities.
Of course, we can't peek into the Obama's fridge or the top drawer of his desk in the Oval Office. We can't see what Michelle throws into her purse when she shuttles the kids to karate or heads to a committee meeting. We will never know what they like to set out when the Bidens come over for beer and brats on a Sunday afternoon. But we can pretend that everything we read about what the Obamas love to munch on is absolutely true. Hey, if it works - if it gets us to snack a little healthier - then it's all good, right?
I admit, I like to feel that little connection over trail mix with the new president. And if Barack Obama truly does love the things in the basket I got and that have been blasted and branded all over the media, then it is not just all good, it's deliciously good for us.
Here's what I've heard and read and chosen to believe is in the little dishes next to Barack Obama's BlackBerry and red phone:
- Black Forest Berry Honest Tea (something I've loved to sip myself for a long time and a nice diversion from the temptation of Diet Coke)
- Planter's Trail Mix: Nuts, Seeds and Raisins (adding him to a long history of peanut lovers who've lived in the White House)
- "Little cuties" mandarin oranges (now a favorite lunch item for my son and making me curious if the Obama girls are down with citrus, too)
- Pistachio nuts (I just tried a kind flavored with salt and pepper and they are my new favorite 3 p.m. snack)
- Milk chocolate Smoked Sea Salt Caramels by Fran's Chocolates (a mouth-watering indulgence, not bad in small doses, and one more way we can relate to our new chief of state)
[photo credit: Getty Images]
