The White House pastry chef announced he is leaving his job, a decision made in part to the first lady's preference for low calorie ingredients in the desserts.
Bill Yosses, who has been the pastry chef since 2007, said he will resign in June and enter the private sector in New York to spread the word about healthy eating techniques, The New York Times reported. His successor has not yet been named.
"It's a bittersweet decision," Yosses told the newspaper.
Yosses, 60, was first hired by Laura Bush during the George Bush administration. He was already a popular chef in New York, known for his raspberry and pear soufflés.
First lady Michelle Obama has endlessly campaigned to get Americans to adopt better eating and exercise habits, especially with her "Let's Move" campaign. Obama has encouraged Yosses to use ingredients like honey, agave and fruit puree instead of high calorie foods like butter and cream with his cooking. But those are traditional ingredients the pastry chef said he wants to hold onto.
"I don't want to demonize cream, butter, sugar and eggs," Yosses told The NYTimes.
Though he is leaving, Yosses acknowledges the first lady is "definitely an inspiring boss, a combination of spontaneity and seriousness," he told the newspaper.
"She has done [her campaign] with humor and good will, without preaching, just the way you hope the 'Mom in chief' would do."
The first lady released a statement saying she was "incredibly sad to see Bill Yosses go," The NYTimes reported.
"I am also so grateful to him for his outstanding work, not just as the White House pastry chef, producing the most delectable creations for everything from birthday celebrations to state visits," but for "building a healthier future for our next generation.
"I wish Bill and his husband, Charlie, all the best in their future endeavors."
