Ryan Bate of Charlestown is a finalist in PETA “Sexiest Vegan Next Door” contest

Energetic Fitness Expert Says Chucking Animal Products Was the Smartest Move He Ever Made

Shakira Croce

Charlestown, R.I. — PETA's Sexiest Vegan Next Door 2014 contest is down to the wire, and 30-year-old Charlestown resident Ryan Bate could take home the grand prize. That's because he has beaten out hundreds of other entrants from across the U.S. to become one of 10 male contestants to advance to the final round. Two lucky winners—one male and one female—will each receive a free vacation for two to Maui, Hawaii, courtesy of HumaneTrip.com.

"Going vegan can help make you feel better on the inside, look better on the outside, and save the lives of more than 100 animals a year," says PETA Special Projects Manager Alicia Woempner. "On average, vegans are fitter and trimmer than meat-eaters are, and that makes them sexier, too."

Bate went vegan seven years ago after watching PETA's hard-hitting video "Meet Your Meat" and says it's the most rewarding decision he has ever made. His wife, Danielle, is also vegan, and the two are expecting their first child in May. The Bates have three dogs and a cat, all of whom were rescued and have been spayed or neutered.

Teeming with energy from his kind and healthy diet, Bate has worked in the fitness industry for almost 10 years and owns his own boot camp called South County Adventure Boot Camp for Women. An avid competitor, Bate has completed myriad athletic events, including the GORUCK Challenge, the Tough Mudder, and several 5K road races.

Voting for the finalists to help PETA determine the winners ends at noon EDT on May 2. PETA will select the winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here. Winners will be notified and announced by May 6.

For more information and to cast your vote, please click here.