Fad diets have become a dime a dozen. However, Arnold Schwarzenegger has got your back. The 76-year-old bodybuilding legend is equally fed up with fad diets derailing the genuine goals of people looking to get fitter and healthier. So, the seven-time Mr. Olympia came up with, “The anti-diet diet plan” in his newsletter, the Arnold’s Pump Club.

“Are you tired of fad diets that offer short-term benefits in exchange for long-term frustration?” Arnold Schwarzenegger asked his over 600,000-strong readers. For those who agree, the bodybuilding icon instructed a “new way” to approach dieting. While most extreme diets instruct people to “eliminate” certain foods, Arnie explained why this was not a good idea.

The former Mr. Universe wrote, “Reducing three types of food (without fully restricting them) can lead to more weight loss and better health outcomes,” according to research. The three foods you should limit are sugars, ultra-processed foods, and refined grains. Studies have found that doing so lowers blood sugar and blood pressure.

On top of this, Arnold Schwarzenegger reminded his readers that they don’t need to abstain from these foods. If someone attempting to improve their diet immediately eliminates these foods, they won’t be able to sustain it for long. The Austrian Oak said people who follow such extreme elimination diets “end up gaining back weight,” in the long run.

Instead, The Terminator said you should practice calorie restriction instead of removing certain foods from your plate in one go. While keeping ultra-processed food in your diet isn’t good for long-term help, the trick is to gradually reduce and then eliminate them from your diet according to Arnold Schwarzenegger. This isn’t the first time Arnie has warned against following extremes.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger loves busting diet myths

Just like fad diets telling people to immediately eliminate certain foods, there are other myths that spread misinformation in the fitness world. Arnold Schwarzenegger once busted the myth that told people to stop consuming Canola oil. The action cinema icon stated that people associate many detrimental health effects with Canola and other seed oils. 

Arnie explained that many believe Canola oil is harmful because it’s processed. However, this thought process has a fundamental flaw. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in his newsletter that many naturally edible substances might also be toxic or deadly. A plethora of edible yet poisonous mushrooms come to mind. Yet, research found that Canola oil helps lower LDL cholesterol, manage blood sugar, and boost HDL.

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While fixing your diet is a positive endeavor, it’s paramount not to fall for fad diets and myths. That’s why Arnold Schwarzenegger is on a crusade to make fitness simple.