Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the fittest and the most active personality in the fitness world. With the help of a controlled diet and consistent workout routine, Schwarzenegger has successfully maintained his healthy shape. Though his health faced a few setbacks, and Arnie even had to undergo multiple heart surgeries, he eventually gained his full health. Now, at 75, the Austrian Oak is fit as a fiddle.

The credit for that goes to how he constantly monitors his routines and pays heed to the advice given by his doctors. Though his diet as a pro-bodybuilder was mostly dependent on meat, Schwarzenegger has now cut down 70% of his meat consumption. In a recent interview, the Governator shed light on the reason behind the change.

Arnold Schwarzenegger changed his way of life

Recently, Arnold Schwarzenegger and José Andrés joined hands to record Schwarzenegger’s Stammtisch and Andrés’ Long Tables podcast. Herein, the bodybuilder opened up to the chef about why he changed his diet in the later years of his life. Arnie revealed as he grew older, his body could no longer keep up with the diet and lifestyle of his prime time.

The 75-year-old said, “…was all fine when you are young. And the body is very forgiving. But when you then get older, all of a sudden, you know, hear from the time you’re like 50 years old, the doctor will say, ‘Well, you know, I see some signs of deterioration in the arteries, getting clogged up.’” He added that the inner functioning of the body isn’t as clean as it used to be.

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Schwarzenegger further recalled how his doctors always suggested to watch what he eats and cut down on meat. As the years passed, his doctors started stressing more and more about the need to reduce his meat intake. Eventually, the Austrian Oak complied. However, his health wasn’t the only reason why he switched.

Why did Arnie switch to plant-based food?

Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed it happened after he became the Governor of California. At the time, the bodybuilder had first started his battle against environmental issues. It was during this fight that Schwarzenegger learned how meat consumption affects the environment. He said, “And one of the things that became very clear was that producing livestock and producing all this meat creates a lot of pollution.”

This made Schwarzenegger realize that quitting meat would not only help his body and health in particular but also the environment at large. While he hasn’t given it up completely, Schwarzenegger is now 70% vegan. Now, his regular diet consists of oatmeal, salad, and other plant-based-foods. Whereas, steaks and barbecues are now on Schwarzenegger’s table only on special occasions.

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