90-year-old Japanese bodybuilder wins 19th national title: What his vegetarian diet looks like

Toshisuke Kanazawa, a 90-year-old Japanese bodybuilder, has recently won the 85-and-over category at the All Japan Masters Fitness Championships, marking his 19th national title. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering his diet, which is strictly vegetarian. In an interview with CNN, Kanazawa revealed that he has followed this diet since making his bodybuilding comeback at the age of 50. His meals primarily consist of brown rice, natto, and miso soup, with protein supplements added for extra support.

For breakfast, Kanazawa starts his day with a bowl of brown rice, natto, and miso soup. His lunch and dinner typically include brown rice mixed with a tiny amount of furikake, a Japanese seasoning. To maintain his muscle mass, which becomes increasingly important with age, Kanazawa drinks protein shakes three times a day.

Himanshi Sharma, a Chief Clinical Nutritionist at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, praised Kanazawa's diet for its health benefits. She pointed out that brown rice supplies complex carbohydrates and fiber, while natto and miso are fermented foods that promote gut health and provide essential nutrients. Regular protein intake also helps maintain muscle mass, which is crucial as we age.

However, Sharma also noted that while Kanazawa's diet has several healthy elements, it lacks variety and may not be sufficient for most people. A well-rounded diet containing a wider range of nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and various micronutrients, would be more beneficial for many individuals.

Kanazawa's bodybuilding career began at the age of 34 but was cut short when he retired at 34 to help support his ailing wife. Despite her passing, he resumed his bodybuilding journey when he discovered that competing in contests brought joy to her. Now, at 90, his ultimate goal is to compete in the 60-and-over division at the World Championships and meet the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger, whom he competed against in the Mr Universe competition decades ago.