A vegetarian diet is a way of eating that excludes meat, poultry, and seafood, while focusing on plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Depending on individual choices, some vegetarians may include dairy and eggs, while others avoid all animal-derived products except for plant-based alternatives. 

There are three types of vegetarian diets: 

• Lacto-ovo-vegetarianism: Includes both dairy (‘lacto’) and eggs (‘ovo’)
• Lacto-vegetarianism: Includes dairy products, but not eggs
• Ovo-vegetarianism: Includes eggs, but not dairy

All vegetarians are able to eat the following plant-based foods, all of which are highly nutritious and play an important part in a balanced diet:

• Fruit and vegetables, along with herbs and spices
• Whole grains like brown rice, rolled oats, and quinoa
• Legumes (chickpeas, beans, peas and lentils)
• Nuts and seeds
• Heart-healthy fats like olive oil and avocado
• Plant protein sources such as tempeh, tofu, and legumes