Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals His Daily Protein Drink—And It Includes a Whole Egg (Shell and All!)

At 77, Arnold Schwarzenegger remains an iconic figure not just for his acting career in films like The Terminator but also for his impressive fitness regimen and health-conscious lifestyle. Despite overcoming a major health challenge in 2020 with heart surgery, the Austrian-born actor, former bodybuilder, and ex-politician continues to prioritize his health, staying in remarkable shape through daily workouts and a carefully crafted diet.

One of the most curious aspects of his routine is his daily protein drink, which contains a “secret ingredient” that’s raising eyebrows—egg shells. Yes, you read that correctly. The man who famously played a cyborg assassin in The Terminator swears by a protein shake that includes not just the egg but the entire egg, shell included.

Schwarzenegger’s Secret Protein Drink

In an interview with Men’s Health, Schwarzenegger revealed how he makes his unique health drink each morning. It’s a simple concoction of almond milk, tart cherry juice (to help with muscle soreness), a banana for energy, and, of course, a whole egg—shell and all.

“There’s nothing special about it,” Schwarzenegger said casually, but the inclusion of the eggshell is what truly caught people’s attention. “I just put almond milk—just a little bit—and tart cherry juice for muscle soreness. Then you go in with a banana, and a whole egg. And I like to go in with the whole egg.”

While the addition of an egg shell might sound unpalatable to some, Schwarzenegger points out that there is, in fact, some logic behind it. Eggshells are made of calcium carbonate, protein, and minerals, which can help support the immune system. He even mentions that just half an eggshell provides enough calcium for your daily recommended intake.

Moreover, the eggshell membrane—which is rich in collagen—may contribute to better joint health. As a former professional bodybuilder who put his joints through intense physical stress, Schwarzenegger’s focus on joint health makes sense.

Unlikely Reactions from Fans

Of course, not everyone is as enthusiastic about the inclusion of eggshells in the drink. Some fans expressed concern in comments, with one person joking, “A whole eggshell—only the Terminator would do this!” Another joked, “I think that eggshell must have some side effects on your health.” Others expressed more serious worries, such as, “That egg is going to hurt on the way out,” and “Olla! Idol. My concern would be the eggshell because he might get his stomach wounded.”

While some are skeptical, it’s worth noting that Schwarzenegger has always been an advocate for trying unconventional approaches to health and fitness. His willingness to experiment with his diet and workout routine has undoubtedly played a role in maintaining his remarkable physique even into his late 70s.

Schwarzenegger’s Health Regimen and Lifestyle

Beyond the unusual protein drink, Schwarzenegger’s daily routine reflects a balanced and thoughtful approach to health. His diet includes more greens, vegetables, and healthy foods, with less emphasis on animal products and protein. As he stated in his interview, “Now I eat more oatmeal, greens, vegetables, and healthy foods. I stay away more from meats, animal products, animal proteins—because there is this misconception that that is the only way to get big and strong.”

Despite cutting back on meat, Schwarzenegger continues to prioritize quality protein sources and remains dedicated to his fitness regimen. His daily routine includes morning workouts, followed by a 45-minute bike ride. However, after undergoing an aortic valve replacement in 2020, Schwarzenegger has been advised by his doctor to avoid lifting exceptionally heavy weights, a decision that aligns with his new focus on a more sustainable, long-term approach to fitness.

A Cheat Day and a Love for Cooking

Schwarzenegger also knows the importance of balance. “Cheat days come up quite frequently,” he said, emphasizing the need to burn off any extra calories that come with indulgence. “The key thing is to remember that for every calorie you eat, you will have to burn it off—nobody is going to do it for you.”

In addition to his fitness routine, Schwarzenegger has a passion for cooking, with his favorite dish being a fillet steak. He shared that while his bodybuilding friends come over for meals, they often won’t indulge in the delicious food because they want to look like him—though he humorously added, “it’s never going to happen!”

A Terminator Who Continues to Evolve

While Schwarzenegger’s health drink may raise a few eyebrows, it’s clear that his dedication to health and fitness, combined with his lifelong pursuit of knowledge about the human body, is why he remains a beloved figure in the fitness and health communities. Whether he’s blending a whole egg (shell and all) or whipping up a fillet steak for friends, Schwarzenegger’s commitment to staying in shape and challenging traditional health norms shows that, much like the character he portrayed in The Terminator, he is never truly slowing down. Instead, he’s continuing to evolve and experiment—pushing the boundaries of what it means to age healthily and with purpose.