Vegetarianism is the practice of not eating meat, poultry, or fish. A vegetarian is someone who follows this way of eating, choosing instead to eat vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, eggs, and dairy products like milk and cheese.

People become vegetarians for different reasons. Some believe it's wrong to kill animals for food. Others think vegetarianism is healthier or better for the environment, since raising animals for meat can require more land, water, and resources than growing crops. Some religions, like Hinduism and Buddhism, encourage vegetarianism as part of their spiritual practices.

There are different types of vegetarians. Some eat eggs and dairy (lacto-ovo vegetarians), while others avoid all animal products entirely, called vegans. A pescatarian eats fish but not other meat, though technically they're not vegetarian.

Some well-known vegetarians include the Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi and the primatologist Jane Goodall. Today, restaurants often mark vegetarian options on their menus with a special symbol, making it easier for vegetarians to choose meals when eating out.

Vegetarianism requires planning to make sure you get enough protein and nutrients that meat normally provides, like iron and vitamin B12. But millions of people around the world live healthy lives as vegetarians, showing that humans can live well without eating meat.