While most bodybuilders consume non-vegetarian items to fulfill their required protein content, 51-year-old Torre Washington is challenging that norm, as he is set to become the first vegan contestant of Mr. Olympia.

On January 16, Vedge Nutrition posted an Instagram reel sharing Washington's story. It displayed the vegan bodybuilder calling his feat a "surreal" one, while he also stressed that "eating plants" (being a vegan) doesn't restrict one from being an "elite" in the sport.

He also backed his vegan diet-based approach for bodybuilding, stating, "I didn't even think of the vegan thing because to me, plant-based vegan, there was no issue with me building muscle. I'm not compromising."

Washington, an IFBB Pro Men’s Physique athlete, earned his spot at the 2026 Mr. Olympia after winning both the Open and Masters titles at the Ben Weider Naturals Pro competition on November 23, 2025. He credits his vegan diet for helping him achieve the feat.

Washington switched to a vegan diet in 1998 at the age of 23. He is an all-natural athlete and first gained prominence in 2016 when he was given the title 'The Vegan Bodybuilder.'

Through the Olympia stage, Washington aims to change the narrative about plant-based nutrition, proving that athletes can reach elite standards without consuming animal-based products.

And here's what he is consuming to ensure that he can do his best at Mr. Olympia 2026.

Specifics of Torre Washington's Vegan Diet for Mr. Olympia

Diet:

When it comes to his diet, Washington has had vegetables and fruits in every way possible, like sandwiches, wraps, oatmeal, pancakes, and even grilled tempeh.

He said, "I’m not a picky eater, so if it’s healthy and vegan, then I’ll probably eat it. I could eat beans all day, and there’s not a green leaf that I don’t like."

He also ensures to stay hydrated throughout the day with Tea, water, or seltzer. Here is what Torre Washington eats in a day.

Breakfast  

• 1/2 block of extra firm Tofu scrambled, with spinach, peppers, 3/4 cup of oatmeal, and a banana.

Snack 

• Extra firm tofu scrambled with spinach and peppers, grapefruit, almond butter, and Ezekiel bread sandwich.

Lunch

• Black bean chili with 1 can of black beans, 1/2 pack of seitan, vegetables, baked sweet potato, and 1/4 avocado.

Post-Workout 

• Apple, banana, and almond milk.

Dinner

• Large spinach salad, 1/4 cup lentils, vegetables, brown rice, 1/2lb broccoli or asparagus (all cooked in spices).

Snack

• 2 tbsp almond butter on celery sticks.

So, do you think that Washington will be able to make his point about a vegan diet in the best way, i.e. by winning Mr. Olympia 2026?

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Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Souvik Roy