How Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is 80% vegan, gets his protein

• Arnold Schwarzenegger eats an 80% vegan diet, which he said has helped lower his cholesterol.
• His go-to protein sources are eggs, salmon, chicken, veggie burgers, and protein shakes.

Bodybuilding icon Arnold Schwarzenegger has moved away from meat in recent years, saying in a 2022 edition of his newsletter that the decision to eat 80% plant-based foods led to a dramatic reduction in his cholesterol levels. But that doesn't mean Schwarzenegger has given up on a muscle-building, protein-rich diet.

In an April episode of Arnold's Pump Club podcast, the movie star revealed his go-to protein sources to stay fit.

"For protein, my staples are eggs, salmon, and chicken. But I have more and more veggie burgers with lentils and beans," Schwarzenegger said. "I also use my Ladder Plan protein powder, powered by pea protein." The former governor co-founded sports nutrition company Ladder with LeBron James.

Schwarzenegger previously shared his favorite protein shake recipe with Men's Health, which consists of protein powder, cherry juice, almond milk, banana, and a raw, unpeeled egg. He also likes to include schnapps or tequila in his shakes, he told Insider's Rachel Hosie.

Schwarzenegger eats a balanced daily diet, but isn't afraid to treat himself

Schwarzenegger eats similar meals every day, spreading his protein intake throughout breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

"In the morning after my workout, I usually have oatmeal with Greek yogurt or 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," he said on the podcast.

Schwarzenegger's favorite veggie soup recipe includes chickpeas, low-fat yogurt, broth, olive oil, and herbs, he said in a recent newsletter.

But ultimately, Schwarzenegger said on the Pump Club podcast, his diet is boring, so if he strays occasionally and eats a big meal, it doesn't take him too far off track health-wise.

When Schwarzenegger wants a treat, he opts for Austrian wiener schnitzel, a steak, or a hamburger.

"My friends can tell you that I grill a fantastic New York Strip," he said.

Correction June 5, 2023 — An earlier version of this story misattributed Arnold Schwarzenegger's comment about adding alcohol to milkshakes. He told that detail to the Insider reporter Rachel Hosie, not Gabby Landsverk.