Is Arnold Schwarzenegger a Vegetarian? The Truth About His Evolved Diet

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

For fans and health enthusiasts, the question 'Is Arnold Schwarzenegger a vegetarian?' often arises, and the answer is a nuanced one. In reality, the former bodybuilder and actor has dramatically reduced his meat consumption, explaining in his newsletter that he now follows a diet that is roughly 80% plant-based.

Quick Summary

Arnold Schwarzenegger has evolved his dietary habits, moving away from his carnivorous bodybuilding days toward a mostly plant-based approach. He is not fully vegetarian or vegan, but adopts a flexitarian style for health and environmental benefits.

Key Points

Not a vegetarian: Despite popular belief and advocacy for plant-based foods, Arnold Schwarzenegger is not a strict vegetarian or vegan.
80% Plant-Based Diet: He follows a flexitarian diet, consuming approximately 80% plant-based foods while still including some animal products like eggs, fish, and chicken.
Motivated by Health: His shift was driven by heart health concerns after multiple surgeries, leading to a significant reduction in his bad cholesterol.
Advocates for Less Meat: He champions the health and environmental benefits of reducing meat consumption, even acting as an executive producer for the documentary The Game Changers.
Embraces Flexibility: Schwarzenegger's philosophy prioritizes a sustainable lifestyle, allowing for occasional meat consumption rather than adhering to rigid dietary labels.
Old vs. New Diet: His modern diet is a stark contrast to his heavy-protein, high-meat bodybuilding diet from decades ago, reflecting an evolution in nutritional science.

The Shift from Bodybuilding Diet to Plant-Forward Eating

For decades, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s name was synonymous with hardcore bodybuilding and the equally intense, high-protein diet that fueled it. His younger days as the 'Austrian Oak' featured a diet rich in meat, eggs, and dairy, necessary to build his legendary physique. However, in recent years, his dietary habits have undergone a significant transformation, moving towards a much more plant-focused lifestyle for health and environmental reasons. He has openly stated he has reduced his meat consumption by about 80% from his peak.

The Bodybuilding Era Diet

During the “Golden Era” of bodybuilding, Schwarzenegger’s diet was a testament to the belief that massive amounts of animal protein were necessary for muscle growth. He reportedly consumed a substantial calorie count, with a focus on red meat, chicken, and eggs. His meals were large and frequent, designed to support his punishing workout schedule. The emphasis was on quantity and protein, with less regard for the long-term health implications of high saturated fat intake.

The Transition to a Flexitarian Lifestyle

As he matured, Schwarzenegger became more aware of the health risks associated with a high-meat diet, particularly concerning cardiovascular health. This, combined with his increased focus on environmental advocacy, led him to reevaluate his nutritional choices. His shift was influenced by documentaries like The Game Changers, which he executive produced, and his personal health scares, including multiple heart surgeries. He began viewing his diet not just as fuel for muscle, but as a tool for longevity and planetary health.

Understanding Arnold's Current “Mostly Vegan” Diet

While not a strict vegetarian, Schwarzenegger's current eating plan is often described as “flexitarian,” meaning he primarily consumes plant-based foods but still includes some animal products. He focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods to stay healthy and fit in his later years. His shift demonstrates that a middle-ground approach can be both sustainable and highly beneficial for health.

Staple Foods in Arnold’s Modern Diet

His current diet is built on a foundation of diverse and wholesome foods, with animal products used sparingly. His food staples include:

Breakfast: Oatmeal, Greek yogurt, or granola.
Lunch: Large salads, often topped with a plant-based burger, or sometimes with salmon or chicken.
Dinner: Light meals like vegetable soup, often featuring pureed vegetables.
Protein Sources: In addition to the occasional salmon or chicken, he incorporates veggie burgers, lentils, beans, and pea protein powder to meet his protein needs.

The Health Benefits That Convinced Him

The most powerful motivator for Schwarzenegger’s dietary change was the dramatic improvement in his health markers. After switching to a mostly plant-based diet, he experienced a significant reduction in his bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. He has publicly shared that his cholesterol numbers became so low that his doctor initially thought they belonged to a different person. This outcome highlights the powerful connection between a reduced-meat diet and improved cardiovascular health.

Key Health Improvements

Lowered LDL Cholesterol: A direct result of eating less meat, which is high in saturated fats.
Improved Cardiovascular Health: Important for someone who has undergone multiple heart surgeries.
Increased Energy Levels: Many individuals on plant-based diets report feeling more energetic and vibrant due to higher fiber and nutrient intake.
Greater Sustainability: A long-term diet he can stick with, rather than a restrictive, short-term plan.

A Comparison: Old-School Arnold vs. Modern Arnold Diet


Feature	Bodybuilding Era Diet	Modern, Flexitarian Diet
Protein Source	High intake of meat (beef), eggs, dairy, whey protein.	Focus on plant protein (lentils, beans, veggie burgers) with occasional eggs, chicken, salmon.
Dietary Focus	Maximizing calorie and protein intake for muscle bulk and recovery.	Optimizing health and longevity with a focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods.
Health Markers	High consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol.	Lowered LDL cholesterol, improved heart health.
Environmental Impact	Significant carbon footprint from high meat consumption.	Reduced environmental impact by eating mostly plant-based.
Frequency	Frequent, large meals throughout the day.	Regular, balanced meals with a lighter dinner.

How to Incorporate Plant-Based Principles (The Arnold Way)

For those inspired by Schwarzenegger’s nutritional evolution, adopting a flexitarian approach can be a realistic and rewarding path. The key is to focus on gradual changes and balance, rather than pursuing a strict, all-or-nothing philosophy.

Starting Your Own Flexitarian Journey

Start Slowly: Begin by introducing one or two plant-based meals per week, gradually increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
Focus on Whole Foods: Emphasize whole foods like lentils, beans, nuts, and vegetables rather than relying heavily on processed vegan alternatives.
Experiment with Recipes: Try new plant-based recipes to discover meals you genuinely enjoy. Schwarzenegger himself praises his veggie burgers and soups.
Prioritize Protein: Ensure you are getting adequate protein from a variety of sources. Plant-based protein powders and combinations of plant foods (like rice and beans) can help.
Embrace Flexibility: Give yourself grace to enjoy an occasional indulgence, as Schwarzenegger does with his schnitzel or steak. This mindset can make a long-term dietary shift more sustainable.

Conclusion: Beyond a Simple Label

So, is Arnold Schwarzenegger a vegetarian? The definitive answer is no, he is a flexitarian. However, his dietary journey offers a powerful lesson: health and wellness priorities can change over a lifetime. His transformation from a high-meat diet to an 80% plant-based one demonstrates that significant shifts are possible and can lead to immense health benefits, even for a seasoned athlete. His advocacy for a plant-forward approach, fueled by his own improved health markers, gives credibility to the idea that you don't need to be a strict vegetarian to reap the rewards of eating more plants. His example encourages a more thoughtful, sustainable, and flexible approach to nutrition for everyone. For more details on his modern diet, check out Men's Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Arnold Schwarzenegger is not a vegan. He clarified that he follows a diet that is about 80% plant-based, but still includes some animal products like eggs, chicken, and fish.

Schwarzenegger changed his diet primarily for health reasons, particularly after undergoing multiple heart surgeries. He also cites environmental concerns as a factor in his decision to significantly reduce meat intake.

He consumes a variety of plant-based foods, including veggie burgers, lentils, beans, chickpeas, oatmeal, and various soups and salads. He also uses a pea-protein powder for supplementation.

Schwarzenegger reported a significant drop in his LDL (bad) cholesterol levels after adopting his mostly plant-based diet. He has stated that his doctor was amazed by the results.

Yes, during his peak bodybuilding days, Schwarzenegger consumed large quantities of animal protein from sources like meat, chicken, eggs, and dairy to build muscle mass.

A flexitarian diet is one that is primarily vegetarian but occasionally includes meat or other animal products. This is the diet Arnold Schwarzenegger currently follows, as he is mostly plant-based but eats meat on rare occasions.

Despite his shift towards plants, he still includes eggs, salmon, and chicken in his diet. He also occasionally treats himself to red meat like steak or schnitzel.