Arnold Schwarzenegger may have traveled all over the globe, but there is one place close to his heart. For two decades, Schwarzenegger has found himself drawn back to a German Village restaurant located in Columbus, Ohio. The best part is, he gets to visit it every year during the Arnold Sports Festival.

Dating back to 1886, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus has had one regular patron for the last 20 years, Schwarzenegger. The eatery even has a special dining room just for him, known as The Governor’s Room. It’s no surprise that the ex-bodybuilder’s favorite place would specialize in protein-packed European meals.

“We always love when Arnold comes in. He has been coming to the restaurant ever since he was Governor,” said Matt Schmidt to 614 Now.

Schmidt, brand Manager of the eatery, enjoys Schwarzenegger’s visits, adding how the latter always eats at the same section of the restaurant during every visit.

Schwarzenegger thoroughly loves the classics like sausage platters, wiener schnitzel, German potato salad, and bratwurst. However, he does have a guilty indulgence that may surprise many: Schmidt’s famous cream puffs.

It may be surprising to know that someone so obsessed with his physique can indulge in something most people consider a ‘cheat meal.’ However, his views on cheat meals are actually quite refreshing.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Take on Cheat Meals

According to Schwarzenegger, people think of cheat meals as sinful and unnecessary- a view he does not share.

In his newsletter, Arnold’s Pump Club, Schwarzenegger explains how cheat meals, celebratory meals, or occasional indulgences are actually good for you.

Moreover, he stresses how you shouldn’t “punish” yourself for the indulgence. Rather, these cheat meals often boost motivation, making healthy eating sustainable long-term.

Other than Schmidt’s cream puffs, Schwarzenegger also has a few other ‘cheat meals’ he loves. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to know that most of them are heavily influenced by his Austrian roots.

Some of the cheat meals that he loves include-

• Wiener Schnitzel
• Kaisershmarrn, which he says is his favorite comfort food that his mother used to make
• Apple strudel
• Ice cream
• Weisswurst
• The occasional beer

"Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarrn, ice cream. You really can't go wrong with Austrian food when you want to indulge,” he said to SuperHeroJacked back in 2019.

Tell us in the comments what your favorite cheat meals and comfort foods are.

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote