Who is referred to as a vegetarian?

A vegetarian is defined as someone who primarily follows a diet that consists exclusively of plant-based foods. This includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds. Vegetarians abstain from consuming meat, which encompasses all forms of animal flesh, including poultry and fish.

The concept of vegetarianism revolves around choosing food sources that do not involve killing animals. This choice can be motivated by various factors, including health considerations, ethical beliefs regarding animal welfare, and environmental concerns.

The other options highlight definitions that do not fit the accepted understanding of vegetarianism. For instance, individuals who only consume dairy products would typically be classified as lacto-vegetarians, which is a subset of vegetarianism but does not encompass the broader definition of exclusively plant-based foods. Those who do not consume any food at all would be classified as fasting or starving, which is contrary to the principle of vegetarianism. Lastly, a person who eats both meat and vegetables does not align with vegetarian principles, as the consumption of meat is what distinguishes a vegetarian diet.