A vegetarian diet is primarily based on plant foods, excluding meat, poultry, and fish. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, providing a rich array of nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. Variations include lacto-vegetarian (dairy included), ovo-vegetarian (eggs included), and lacto-ovo vegetarian (both dairy and eggs included). This diet is not only beneficial for health, promoting lower risks of chronic diseases, but also supports environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with meat production.