Can you tell the difference between fact and fiction in the vegan world? Well, we can’t deny that there is one aspect of this plant-based diet that even the most fiery vegans would be distressed to admit. The Terminator star himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has cracked some of the answers to this mystery.
The ‘Austrian Oak’ recently sparked a topic of debate in the vegan community with a groundbreaking revelation. Even though a nutrient-dense plant-based diet has been shown to have health benefits, Schwarzenegger observes that people’s dietary choices are often influenced by their taste buds. He also claims that one reason we do not want to inflate the outcomes is that some vegan followers said they did not enjoy their diet. And it is possible that this led to their consuming fewer calories.
Also read: 6 Sylvester Stallone Movies That Should’ve Cast Arnold Schwarzenegger Instead
Arnold Schwarzenegger Cracks the Untold Fact About Veganism
For many years, arguments have been made both in favor of and against a diet heavy on plants as opposed to meat. Each has a loyal fan base that provides them with several benefits. And now, albeit with his own theories supported by science, Arnold Schwarzenegger has entered the discussion.
The actor recently offered an analysis of a study he conducted on a twin pair that followed two different diets in his daily newsletter, Arnold’s Pump Club. One twin had to eat an ‘omnivore diet’ for eight weeks, and the other was supposed to eat vegan food. What was the result? The actor shared:
“A vegan diet lost more weight, lowered total cholesterol and blood pressure, and had better insulin sensitivity and lower levels of C-reactive protein — a marker of inflammation linked to cardiovascular disease.”
However, Schwarzenegger painted a comprehensive picture of the scenario. There was support for vegan diets in the randomized clinical trial titled Cardiometabolic Effects of Omnivorous vs. Vegan Diets in Identical Twins. However, the former bodybuilder brought up a few issues that fitness fanatics would actually need to consider:
“Part of the reason we don’t want to overstate the findings is because the vegan dieters mentioned that they didn’t enjoy the diet, which could’ve led to them consuming less.”
Those who followed a vegan diet admitted in several studies that they did not enjoy it as much as their omnivorous counterparts. According to Schwarzenegger, this lack of enjoyment might cause vegans to eat fewer calories overall.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Admits There isn’t ‘One Magic Pill’
This is a significant possibility because consuming fewer calories would cause a discrepancy in the research. In addition, Arnold Schwarzenegger mentioned that individuals who adhered to a vegan diet for eight weeks eventually gave it up. This makes one wonder if the diet would have been sustainable or not. The actor noted in his newsletter:
“There isn’t one magic pill diet. Many diets offer clues to what works and is good for your body.”
As a result, there is no simple answer when it comes to choosing between a plant-based diet and a meat-based diet. People would have to adjust and modify their preferences according to what suits them best. Schwarzenegger vouched for the “undeniable health benefits” of many vegan foods.
While most people would prefer to retire and lead a quiet life at age 76, Schwarzenegger has broadened his horizons. The actor shared his favorite protein sources for maintaining his fitness in an April episode of Arnold’s Pump Club podcast
“For protein, my staples are eggs, salmon, and chicken. But I have more and more veggie burgers with lentils and beans. I also use my Ladder Plan protein powder, powered by pea protein.”
He previously shared his go-to protein shake recipe with Men’s Health. It includes protein powder, almond milk, banana, cherry juice, and an unpeeled, raw egg. Also, the actor mentioned to Rachel Hosie of Insider that he enjoys adding schnapps or tequila to his shakes.
Anyway, Schwarzenegger has drawn attention to an important topic that is often overlooked in vegan studies: the enjoyment factor. It is time to take advantage of the abundance of plant-based foods available and show everyone that being vegan entails enjoying every single bite of the journey in addition to protecting the environment and animals.
Also read: Arnold Schwarzenegger Can Never Beat Sylvester Stallone in 1 Area When it Comes to Movies
