Legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger is arguably the most influential competitor in the history of the sport. The seven-time Mr. Olympia continues to lead a healthy lifestyle and uses his influence to promote the same. In a recent episode of Arnold’s Pump Club podcast, Schwarzenegger revealed the key to staying consistent with his mostly vegan diet and laid out his preferred protein sources.
Arnold Schwarzenegger moved on from professional competition decades ago but has not lost his passion for staying fit. He dominated the IFBB Pro League Men’s Open division with his stellar muscle mass, size, and symmetry in the 1970s. He set the record for the most Mr. Olympia victories at seven, which stood in place until fellow legend Lee Haney won eight Sandow trophies in 1991. During his prime, Schwarzenegger went head-to-head against the likes of three-time Mr. Olympia Sergio Oliva, Franco Columbu, and Lou Ferrigno.
Following a decorated bodybuilding career, Schwarzenegger explored his passion for acting and found success as the lead man for several cult classic films, such as Conan the Barbarian (1982), The Terminator (1984), and Predator (1987). He also launched the Arnold Sports Festival, regarded as the second most prestigious fitness showcase in the world next to Mr. Olympia.
Schwarzenegger regularly educates his fans on how to improve their personal fitness. Earlier this year, he offered a five-minute workout routine to ignite the body. The no-equipment workout consisted of four exercises that could be used as a warm-up or first thing in the morning to start your day. Then, he stressed the importance of getting enough sleep to boost weight loss efforts. He recommended sleeping for more than seven hours and about eight hours ideally.
The 75-year-old reflected on the evolution of physique over the years from when he was the “best built man” on the planet to now that he’s in his 70s last month. He admitted to struggling with the way his physique looks in old age and declared his plans to never retire.
Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed his Olympia-winning PED (performance-enhancing drug) protocol weeks ago. He listed Dianabol and testosterone as his go-to substances of choice that he utilized at the height of his powers. Further, he took issue with the rise of deaths in bodybuilding due to drug overdose and cautioned fitness enthusiasts against following the same.
Schwarzenegger gave fans a look into his secrets for training consistently three weeks ago. He encouraged his followers to focus on doing instead of thinking to avoid derailing progress in the training room and provided two intense circuit workouts.
Arnold Schwarzenegger reveals the key to his mostly vegan diet & preferred protein sources
In a recent Apple podcast, Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed he follows a mostly vegan diet and his protein sources of choice.
“Some people feel forced to eat animal proteins to support muscle and strength. But you actually have more flexibility than you’ve been led to believe. New research suggests that it doesn’t matter if you eat plant protein or animal protein. Both dieting styles can deliver similar body transformation results.”
“Animal proteins have more essential amino acids so if you eat more plants,” added Schwarzenegger. “You usually need to eat a little more protein to compensate.”
“To be clear, I’m not fully vegan. I just about eat 80% less meat than I used to. For protein, my staples are eggs, salmon, and chicken. But I have more and more veggie burgers with lentils and beans. My soups have chickpeas. I also use pea-powered protein.”
Schwarzenegger shared the key to his diet and laid out his daily eating regimen.
“The key to my diet is being pretty boring. In the morning, after my workout, I usually have oatmeal or greek yogurt with granola. For lunch, I always have a salad, sometimes with a plant-based burger or maybe salmon or chicken. Other times, it’s with a scramble or omelette. For dinner, I always have soup. I like to eat light for my last meal.
“Every so often I go crazy and have a schnitzel or a steak or a delicious hamburger. My friends can tell you that I grill a fantastic New York strip but my real key is being very routine so that when I eat a big meal it doesn’t set me back since I’m automatically eating well most of the time.”
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The US-based management team under Arnold Schwarzenegger has taken the reigns of the Arnold Classic UK and announced a relaunch of the competition for next March earlier this month.
Schwarzenegger took a trip down memory lane in his recent Netflix documentary, Arnold. He opened up about the beginning of his journey in Austria and reflected on his personal ‘Mecca of weightlifting’ where it all started for him.
His latest offering will help add clarity to the protein sources one needs to consume and might encourage others to follow in his footsteps.
Related:
- Our List Of 40 Great Protein-Packed Foods
- Best Post Workout Supplements to Accelerate Muscle Growth and Recovery
- Foods That Contains Highest Amount Of Protein
- Arnold Schwarzenegger Shares Healthy Diet Checklist & Best Practices for Recovery
- Arnold Schwarzenegger: Daily Walking and High Protein Meals Will ‘Boost Your Lifespan’
Published: 18 June, 2023 | 10:19 AM EDT
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Is it possible to become 7x Mr. Olympia on a plant-based diet?