Is Arnold Schwarzenegger Vegan?
What You Can Learn from His Diet

Last Updated: October 19, 2023

With athletes like David Haye, Venus Williams, and Patrik Baboumian, the myth that you need meat to gain strength has already been busted.

Yet the announcement that Hollywood star and ex-Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger is eating less meat and dairy has still shocked the global media.

So has the Governator really made the switch to completely plant-based food? And if so, why?

Read on to find out more.

Is Arnold Schwarzenegger vegan?

If you want to talk about things in black or white, no, Arnold Schwarzenegger is not strictly vegan (see also ‘5 Celebrities You May Not Know Are Vegan‘). He has chosen to get the majority of his nutrition from a plant-based diet and is only eating meat occasionally. On top of that, he has cut out beef and cow’s milk completely.

People will buy in to stop eating meat one or two days a week – you have to start slowly. It’s a very big challenge but it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done. - Arnold Schwarzenegger (see also ‘Is Tom Brady Vegan? Let’s find out!‘)

Schwarzenegger said in a YouTube video that he doesn’t think he will ever be vegan all the way. But for now, he is feeling much healthier and happier;and his impact on the planet is much less.

So is he a vegan if he still eats a little chicken and fish? No. Not really. But he’s bringing the discussion about ethical food to the table, and in my experience, even one small step in the right direction is massively important.

Why did Arnold Schwarzenegger stop eating meat?

While some are happy to sling arrows at the strongman for adopting a label that isn’t really his, some others question his reasoning behind making the switch.

Many believe that Arnold (see also ‘Is Leonardo DiCaprio Vegan?‘) has made the switch for health reasons under the advice of his doctors. He has been on a diet high in red meat for many years.

Those same commenters believe that he wouldn’t be speaking out about veganism as passionately as he is or making the real changes that he has if it wasn’t for health reasons, and they might be right.

The other side of the argument though, is that he has started paying more attention to what he eats.

Heshares significant information about the effect of his diet on both;the planet and his own body.

In a country practically owned by the meat industry, any voice sharing a different message should be a welcome one.

Is meat bad for you?

Yes and no.Meat is a broad term. If you are eating a lot of red meat or processed meat, then yes, it’s definitely bad with proven links to bowel cancer.

Meat is also incredibly high in saturated fats, which leads to raised cholesterol levels in the blood. This can dramatically raise your risk of heart disease (see also ‘The Best Pre-Workout For Heart Disease‘).

There are certain nutrients and minerals that can be derived from consuming meat. Though, all of them can also be obtained through vegan supplements (see also ‘Turkesterone: Explaining New Vegan Supplement In Town‘) or a plant-based diet. It can be part of a balanced diet if you’re very careful about your intake and practice moderation.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a co-producer of The Game Changers

The reason behind the actor’s adoption and advocation for a plant-based diet is very likely to do with his involvement in the new Netflix documentary “The Game Changers“.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is an executive producer on the film alongside longtime friend and “The Terminator” director James Cameron.

The documentary follows James Wilks as he travels the world and talks to professional athletes (see also ‘Vegan Ice Hockey Players in the NHL‘) and those who follow a plant-based diet to achieve great things.

Jackie Chan, Novak Djokovic, and Lewis Hamilton are all listed as fellow executive producers as well as being interviewed themselves.

Being a vegan professional athlete

In the documentary, Schwarzenegger talks very candidly about his diet as a younger man in his bodybuilding days and how unnecessary it was.

Looking at athletes like Patrik Baboumian, it’s clear that most of what we are taught about what it means to be a big, strong man is clearly marketing, and proteins are easily found elsewhere.

The Game Changers goes into scientific analysis about what the body needs to build muscle (Arms) and perform at its best. It features an impressive roster of talent that does exactly that many of them are literally at the top of their respective sports.

“Eating less meat is good for the environment”

-Arnold Schwarzenegger

As The Governor of California (or the Governator), Arnold Schwarzenegger has been a fierce proponent of policies addressing climate change (see also ‘Is Bill Nye “the Science Guy” Vegan?‘), building a greener future, and tackling greenhouse gasses.

Proposition 23, which would have annulled Schwarzenegger’s AB 32 commitments, was funded by Texan oil companies. However, it was rejected by California voters lmainly duet to campaigning by The Governator himself.

When it comes to meat and its effect on pollution and climate change, he has clearly done his research, and this passion is another primary factor behind him making the switch himself.

He has spoken out against cattle farming and the dairy industry many times..

His green legacy and legislation to cut emissions by 25% by 2020 were challenged and defended even after his term was up.

Schwarzenegger’s Practical Health Tips

1Know your body – Know what your body needs and set your fitness goals right.
2Focus on protein – Whether you’re a lifter or a marathoner, you need protein to support muscle growth and recovery.
3Ditch the sugar – Reduce sugar intake as much as you can and make sure that your carb intake is focused on fiber.
4Portion is key – Tracking your portion gears you towards taking in what your body actually needs instead of empty calories.
5Supplement your diet – Supplement your diet with a good multivitamin, protein powder, and mass gainer especially if you’re serious about bulking up.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Supplements

Vegan Protein

Supports muscle recovery (see neck) after an intense workout session. Made from high quality plant-based protein made from pea and rice sources. Our favorite Vegan protein is Transparent Labs, it has a great Amino Acid profile, tastes great & has a large amount of protein per serving.

Multivitamin

Contains the recommended amounts of vitamins B, D, A, and C, as well as calcium, iron and iodine to supplement Schwarzenegger’s predominantly plant-based diet.

Again our preferred brand is Transparent Labs…you just can’t beat their quality.

Creatine

Speeds up muscle growth and recovery and provides a boost in energy to enhance physical performance during his sessions in the gym.

Our Top Choice is Transparent Labs Creatine HMB.

Natural Nootropic

Improves mental focus and attention. It also supports the overall brain health, keeping Schwarzenegger sharp and slick despite his age.

CBD

Reduces anxiety and improves mood while also supporting nerve and brain health. Schwarzenegger also uses CBD oil to relieve muscle pain post-workout.

Pre-workout

Enhances physical performance by allowing better and quicker protein synthesis, thus preventing premature muscle fatigue.

Our Fav…4Gauge, it rocks!

Natural Sleep Supplement (see ruining sleep)

Schwarzenegger uses a natural sleep supplement to support muscle recovery through recuperative down (see running) time and restful sleep.

Performance Lab Sleep is our favored formula.

Greens powder

Keeps you energized without the unnecessary calories. A superfood greens powder is filled with nutrients and could be a great workout drink.

Organifi Green Juice is the best in class!

Conclusion

Calling Arnold Schwarzenegger (see also our article on Billie Eilish) a full vegan would be a lie, but if he wants to call himself 99% vegan, I think that’s still positive change, and it’s going to spread the message to a lot of new people. In fact, here’s a list of other vegan celebrities you can check out.

To borrow the viral quote on zero waste – “we don’t need 1 vegan doing it perfectly, we need 100 doing it as best they can.”

What’s your take on Arnold’s (see also our article on Leona Lewis) stance on veganism?

Let us know in the comments below.

About the author

Jason Hughes

"Hey there, I'm Jason, and you've just landed on the most exhilarating spot on the web - my VL universe! Here's the deal: I'm wildly obsessed (in the best way possible!) with all things diet, strength training, fitness, health, and wellness. It's not just a passion; it's a lifestyle!

View All Posts