What does it mean to be a vegetarian?

What does it mean to be a vegetarian?

Vegetarians shun meat and other animal products because of health benefits (lower cholesterol and fat consumption), religious beliefs (including some Hindus and Buddhists), ethical concerns about animal cruelty, or sometimes because meat is too expensive. The term itself is a bit slippery -- some so-called vegetarians refuse to eat red meat but go for chicken or fish, or may eat dairy or eggs. Vegans, the most radical of vegetarians, refuse to eat anything derived from an animal, be it milk, butter, eggs or cheese. Vegetarians have to be careful to get enough protein, which can be achieved by eating a combination of legumes and grains such as rice.