In the late 1800s and early 1900s, people had some big ideas about what the 21st century would look like. One was that firefighters would fly around putting out flames with the help of bat wings, reports positive storytelling platform Upworthy. Another was that we’d domesticate whales, and they’d help us out with public transportation. And people also thought we’d be able to communicate via video chat and more and more industrial activity would be automated. Oh, wait.
The last two decades or so have revolutionized the way we communicate and do our jobs. Google was launched in 1998 but started to become popular in 2000. The first iPhone hit the shelves in 2007, and the iPad followed in 2010. That same year brought us Instagram and the year before, 4G was introduced. Now, we live in a world dominated by social media, instant news, messages with loved ones and colleagues at our fingertips, and billions and billions of web pages (many offering credible, useful information and some, arguably, not quite so credible).
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Given this trajectory, it makes sense that, at some point, the tech was going to start getting really, really good at talking back to us. Chatbots have been on the scene since the late 20th century, but until now, there hasn’t been anything like ChatGPT. Created by American artificial intelligent company OpenAI, ChatGPT is a text-generating chatbot that can write everything from essays to articles to code. Heck, it can even chat with you about veganism, as we recently found out.
It’s not perfect, and it certainly needs more than a little fact-checking on occasion, but it turns out, this robot model is pretty knowledgeable on modern issues, including the health, environmental, and ethical benefits a plant-based diet can offer. Don’t believe us? Here’s a transcript of our recent Q&A with ChatGPT to prove it.
VegNews: Hey ChatGPT! We’d love to interview you about the vegan movement. Are you in?
ChatGPT: Hello! As an AI language model, I don’t have personal beliefs or opinions, but I can certainly provide information and answer your questions about the vegan movement. Let’s get started!
VegNews: Ok! Let’s start off with health. What’s the most nutritious vegan food?
ChatGPT: There are many nutrient-dense vegan foods that can provide a wide range of essential nutrients. Here are some examples:
- Leafy Greens: These include kale, spinach, collard greens, and Swiss chard. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Legumes: These include lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and kidney beans. They are high in protein, fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients.
- Nuts and Seeds: These include almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. They are a great source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and micronutrients.
- Whole Grains: These include quinoa, brown rice, oats, and barley. They are high in fiber, protein, B vitamins, and other essential nutrients.
- Berries: These include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. They are high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. It’s important to note that a well-planned vegan diet can provide all the essential nutrients your body needs.
However, it’s important to ensure that you get enough protein, iron, vitamin B12, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. A registered dietitian can help you plan a balanced vegan diet that meets your nutrient needs.
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VegNews: Thanks for bringing up protein—is it a myth that vegans struggle to get enough?
ChatGPT: It’s a common misconception that vegans struggle to get enough protein. There are plenty of plant-based protein sources available that can provide all the essential amino acids that the body needs.
Legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans, are a great source of protein. For example, a cup of cooked lentils contains about 18 grams of protein, and a cup of cooked black beans contains about 15 grams of protein. Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds, are also high in protein. For example, a quarter cup of almonds contains about 6 grams of protein, and two tablespoons of chia seeds contain about 4 grams of protein.
Whole grains, such as quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat bread, also contain protein. For example, a cup of cooked quinoa contains about 8 grams of protein, and two slices of whole wheat bread contain about 7 grams of protein.
It’s important for vegans to include a variety of protein sources in their diet to ensure that they get all the essential amino acids. By eating a balanced and varied diet, vegans can easily meet their protein needs.
VegNews: And is it true that vegans don’t have to miss out on delicious foods, like burgers and pizzas, for example?
ChatGPT: Yes, that’s true! There are many plant-based options available that can mimic the taste and texture of traditional animal-based foods, such as burgers and pizzas. In fact, the availability of vegan options has grown significantly in recent years, as more people are adopting a plant-based diet or reducing their consumption of animal products.
For example, vegan burgers can be made from a variety of ingredients such as beans, mushrooms, tempeh, and tofu. These plant-based burgers can be grilled, fried, or baked, and can be topped with a variety of delicious toppings like avocado, caramelized onions, and vegan cheese.
Pizza can also be made vegan by using a variety of plant-based toppings, such as mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and vegan cheese. In fact, many restaurants and pizzerias now offer vegan pizza options on their menu.
There are also many vegan recipes available online for a wide range of delicious plant-based dishes, including desserts and baked goods. With a little creativity and experimentation, it’s possible to enjoy a wide range of delicious vegan foods that are just as satisfying as their animal-based counterparts.
VegNews: Great! What would you say is the best vegan burger on the market?
ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I don’t have personal preferences, but I can tell you that there are many vegan burger options available on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
Some popular vegan burger brands include Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, Gardein, and Boca. These brands use a variety of plant-based ingredients to create burgers that mimic the taste and texture of traditional beef burgers. They are often made from a combination of pea protein, soy protein, and other plant-based ingredients, and are typically fortified with vitamins and minerals.
In addition to pre-made burgers, there are also many vegan burger recipes available online that you can make at home. These recipes often use ingredients like beans, mushrooms, and grains to create a satisfying and flavorful burger.
Ultimately, the best vegan burger is the one that you enjoy the most and fits within your dietary needs and preferences. It’s always a good idea to read the ingredients list and nutritional information to ensure that the burger meets your dietary requirements.
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VegNews: So, would you say going vegan means you have to sacrifice a lot?
ChatGPT: Going vegan doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing anything. In fact, many people find that adopting a vegan lifestyle can be incredibly rewarding, both for their health and for the planet.
While it’s true that vegans avoid animal-based foods, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious plant-based options available. By focusing on a variety of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, vegans can enjoy a wide range of delicious and satisfying meals.
In terms of the environmental impact, adopting a vegan lifestyle can also have a positive effect. Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By reducing or eliminating animal products from our diets, we can help reduce our carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable future.
While it may take some time to adjust to a vegan lifestyle, many people find that the benefits far outweigh any sacrifices they may have to make. With the abundance of plant-based options available, going vegan can be a fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle choice.
VegNews: Are there also ethical benefits to going vegan, as well as environmental?
ChatGPT: Yes, there are many ethical benefits to going vegan. The production and consumption of animal products are often associated with animal cruelty and human rights abuses.
By avoiding animal products, vegans can help reduce the demand for animal agriculture, which is often associated with animal cruelty and mistreatment. Many vegans also choose to support animal rights organizations and advocate for policies that promote animal welfare.
VegNews: And before we go, one last thing, what’s the best vegan magazine to read?
ChatGPT: There are many great vegan magazines available that can provide information and inspiration for those interested in a plant-based lifestyle. Some popular vegan magazines include: VegNews, a widely popular vegan lifestyle magazine that covers vegan recipes, health and nutrition, animal rights, and sustainability.
Editor’s note: Some of the answers from ChatGPT have been edited for length and to reduce repetition.
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Charlotte is a writer and editor based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
