On Tuesday, the American Heart Association released the latest dietary guidelines, recommending ditching full-fat dairy and choosing plant proteins for a healthy heart.

AHA recommends choosing non-fat and low-fat dairy products over full-fat options because they contain less saturated fat, which can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Besides that, the AHA emphasized that a balanced diet should include plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

On the contrary, in January, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced that Americans should consume more red meat and whole milk. This was based on the guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Red meat is rich in saturated fats, which can cause health problems and lead to several heart-related issues. That's why the AHA recommends consuming unsaturated fats and plant-based proteins. 

The organization also recommended consuming foods and beverages low in sugar and salt, and suggested avoiding ultra-processed food items.

According to Reuters, the American organization suggested that children as young as 1 year old should start a heart-healthy dietary pattern. This early start will help them develop sustainable eating habits from childhood. 

AHA wants to deliver a clear message to promote healthy eating habits because unhealthy eating leads to hazardous issues like stroke and other heart-related disorders in the near future.

Not only AHA, but real-world bodybuilders are also promoting a plant-based diet nowadays. 

Even Arnold Schwarzenegger advocated a plant-based diet

The legendary bodybuilder, Arnold Schwarzenegger, also follows a plant-based diet. According to VegOut, he is not 100% but “80% vegan.”

He occasionally indulges in eating non-veg, often once a month; maybe I make a steak at home.

After following a plant-based diet, the “Austrian Oak” acknowledged that his cholesterol level decreased significantly.

Apart from him, the professional bodybuilder Torre Washington is also living on a plant-based diet and building muscles. Washington has been following a vegan diet since 1998, and last year he qualified for the 2026 Mr. Olympia competition. 

In a conversation with Men’s Journal, the Ben Weider Pro Am Men’s Physique winner revealed his diet and said: “The plant-based sources that do the heavy lifting are fava bean tofu, seitan, tofu, greens, and beans.”

The rise of plant-based diets signals a future where overall health, performance, and longevity go hand in hand. 

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi