Arnold Says Eat Less Meat to Save the Planet + 4 More Reasons to Choose Veggies

Back in his Mr. Olympia days, Arnold Schwarzenegger was all about the meat. But the Governator has gotten way wiser with age. These days, the actor slash politician is no fan of animal agriculture; he’s well aware of the industry’s devastating impacts, and isn’t afraid to talk about it.

As part of his attendance at the Paris climate talks this week, he publicly suggested that people should eat less meat to help save the planet, and the internet went bananas.

“People will buy in to stop eating meat one or two days a week – you have to start slowly,” Schwarzenegger told BBC News.

Arnold also set the record straight about protein on a veg diet: “Luckily we know that you can get your protein source from many different ways, you can get it through vegetables if you are a vegetarian,” he said. “I have seen many body builders that are vegetarian and they get strong and healthy.”

In addition to Arnold’s wise suggestion, here are four other reasons to cut back on animal products:

You’ll save lives. 
No one wants to see animals suffer, yet suffering and death are the foundations of the meat, dairy, and egg industries. Over 56 BILLION farmed animals are killed for food each year, each as sensitive, special, and unique as your average cat or dog. By opting into a veg diet, you’ll save lives and put your money towards values you can actually support — nonviolence and compassion.

You’ll cut your disease risk.
Research has consistently proven that eating a plant strong diet leads to a lower risk of heart disease, certain types of cancer, type two diabetes, and other chronic ailments. Most recently, a study showed that kidney patients who eat more plants have a lower mortality rate. Clearly, eating plants is better for your bod.

You’ll feel better.
Despite questionably sourced studies that might suggest otherwise, legitimate research has long linked the benefit of a plant-forward diet to positive mental health. An article published by Nutrition Journal found that omnivores reported better moods and less stress after two weeks on a strict vegetarian diet.

You’ll save money.
Despite common misconception, staple foods for vegans and vegetarians are often the cheapest items on grocery store shelves. Beans, lentils, oatmeal, rice, fruits, veggies — there’s a whole world of affordable options. Just ask Ellen Jaffe Jones, author of Eat Vegan on $4 a Day. 

Need some tips for eating more plants? Check out TryVeg.com for recipe ideas and suggestions!