Vegetarian

Excludes meat and fish but allows dairy and eggs (lacto-ovo). A flexible plant-forward approach that retains key animal protein sources.

In this guide8 sections
  1. 01Goal of the plan
  2. 02Who it is for
  3. 03Example meals and foods
  4. 04Foods to limit or adapt
  5. 05Grocery guidance
  6. 06Hydration guidance
  7. 07Flexibility and sustainability
  8. 08Individual nutrition note
Real woman preparing leafy vegetables with people nearby
Real woman preparing leafy vegetables with people nearby. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Woman_Preparing_Leafy_Vegetables_Outdoors_with_Children_Nearby.jpg. Woman Preparing Leafy Vegetables Outdoors with Children Nearby by Oliversamson1, CC0 (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en). Sourced from Wikimedia Commons.

Goal of the plan

Source best-for note: Heart health, weight management, environmental sustainability.

Who it is for

The source category is Plant-Based, with difficulty marked Easy.

Example meals and foods

The source macro split is 18% protein, 50% carbohydrate, and 32% fat.

Meal timing: 3 meals plus snacks.

  • Eggs
  • Dairy
  • Legumes
  • Whole grains
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Nuts & seeds
  • Tofu & tempeh
  • Plant proteins
  • Healthy oils

Foods to limit or adapt

  • Meat
  • Poultry
  • Fish & seafood
  • Gelatin
  • Animal-derived rennet

Grocery guidance

Suggested addition

Build a simple list around the foods you already enjoy, then add one or two easy repeatable meals before trying to overhaul everything.

Hydration guidance

Suggested addition

Keep water available through the day and adjust fluids around heat, sweat rate, long runs, and higher-fiber meals.

Flexibility and sustainability

Suggested addition

Easier to meet protein needs than vegan. Watch for iron and B12 intake. Well-studied with strong health outcomes.

Individual nutrition note

Suggested addition

Nutrition advice should be adapted to the individual. Consider medical history, medications, preferences, budget, culture, and support from a qualified clinician or dietitian when needed.