Hudson Valley Firefighter Chosen As 'Sexiest Vegan'

Kevin Duffy, who is a five-time Ironman finisher and a professional firefighter was chosen as one of two winners of PETA's 2019 Sexiest Vegan Next Door contest. He bested hundreds of other entrants from around the United States and wins a free vacation for two to Hawaii, courtesy of Humane Travel.

Duffy has been a professional firefighter in Yonkers since 2011. He is a five-time Ironman, an eight-time half-Ironman and a five-time marathon finisher.

Duffy became a vegan in 2015 to improve his athletic performance, and since then, he said his skin has improved, he has more energy, he recovers faster from workouts, and he reduced his Ironman time by more than an hour.

"Raising animals in horrific conditions, pumping them full of hormones, and selling their bodies as 'food' is a recipe for disaster," he said.

"I believe that what we eat plays a huge role in how we feel and our outlook on life, and my health has improved 1,000 percent since I went vegan," Duffy said.

His example is credited for prompting two of his fellow firefighters, as well as his mother, to go vegan.

Duffy also credits his vegan food choices with having helped improve his mental health since his brother's death on 9/11.

"Healthy living, my new lifestyle and plant-based food have helped me to change my life around, live with purpose and give back to others," he said.

Virginia nurse and lifestyle blogger Jasmine Nakasone is the other winner for 2019.

The winners were selected based on several factors, including the number of popular votes received.

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