- Arnold Schwarzenegger shared his go-to vegan meals like veggie soup and protein shakes in his newsletter.
- He said he enjoys a cucumber salad with nutrient-dense pumpkin seed oil with every dinner.
- Schwarzenegger said he'll sometimes add a shot of tequila or schnapps to a post-workout shake.
Arnold Schwarzenegger said his staple plant-based meals include cucumber salad with pumpkin seed oil, vegetable soup, and protein shakes with cherry juice and sometimes a bit of booze.
The bodybuilding legend, who previously said his diet is about 80% plant-based, shared the meal ideas in his April 9 newsletter in response to a fan request for advice about vegan recipes.
Schwarzenegger said every dinner includes veggie soup, cucumber salad, and pumpkin seed oil.
"Pumpkin seed oil is a huge deal in Styria, the state in Austria where I was born. And it is delicious," he wrote.
Pumpkin seeds are a great source of healthy fats and nutrients like zinc, potassium, magnesium, and iron, and so is the oil.
Schwarzenegger said his post-workout snack is a protein shake with berries or a banana, cherry juice, and sometimes a shot of tequila or schnapps.
His said his preferred protein powder is a vegan blend of peas and pumpkin from Ladder, a supplement brand he co-founded with LeBron James. Combining sources of plant-based protein can help provide a "complete" protein, or one that includes all the essential amino acids for maximum health benefits.
Cherry juice may also help boost recovery and ease muscle aches after exercise, according to evidence.
As for the alcohol, drinking in moderation likely won't interfere with overall fitness goals, a personal trainer previously told Insider. However, too much alcohol right after a workout may impair your muscles' ability to repair and grow, even if you're drinking a protein cocktail, some research suggests. Alcohol can also reduce your sleep quality, research indicates, which can not only interrupt your recovery, but may make you feel less ready to hit the gym the next day.
As a result, it may be better to wait at least an hour or two after exercise to imbibe, be sure to stay hydrated, and avoid overindulging.