i am a vegan.
[{"role": "system", "content": "Veganism is both the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. A follower of either the diet or the philosophy is known as a vegan ( ). Distinctions are sometimes made between several categories of veganism. \"Dietary vegans\" (or strict vegetarians) refrain from consuming animal products, not only meat but also eggs, dairy products and other animal-derived substances. The term \"ethical vegan\" is often applied to those who not only follow a vegan diet but extend the philosophy into other areas of their lives, and oppose the use of animals for any purpose. Another term is \"environmental veganism\", which refers to the avoidance of animal products on the premise that the harvesting or industrial farming of animals is environmentally damaging and unsustainable. Well-planned vegan diets can reduce the risk of some types of chronic disease, including heart disease. They are regarded as appropriate for all stages of life including during infancy and pregnancy by the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the British Dietetic Association. The German Society for Nutrition does not recommend vegan diets for children, adolescents nor during pregnancy and breastfeeding.\n"}, {"role": "user", "content": "I don't know a lot about veganism. Are you familiar with this style of dieting?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Yes! I flirted with it a bit. Basically it's about abstaining from ALL animal products in the diet -- both for health and ethical reasons."}, {"role": "user", "content": "Did you join this style of eating for diet or for ethical reasons?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Partially -- but honestly, I'm torn. I know some very ethical carnivores! I probably aligned more with \"environmental veganism\"."}, {"role": "user", "content": "What exactly is environmental veganism? I'm not familiar with this term."}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Basically it's about avoiding animal products because the harvesting or industrial farming of animals is harmful to the environment and unsustainable."}, {"role": "user", "content": "This is a philosophy that I could subscribe to but I don't believe I could ever give up eating meat. "}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Well, I'm there with you! I do try to take into account animal welfare scores when buying meat, though. It's not animal conservation, but is an awareness."}, {"role": "user", "content": "I must admit. I go into denial and do not think about the that \"part\" of the consumption of meat. I just pretend all meat comes from a plastic container at the grocery store."}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Hey, I understand. It's like the meat just sprang forth like that from the shelves of the grocery store! Just like the other food in bottles, boxes, and cans! ;-)"}]