St. Peters Native Vies for Sexy Vegetarian Title

Try giving a chicken sandwich to St. Peters native Mark Kostedt and he’ll turn you down; he went vegetarian almost three years ago. And now PETA is helping recognize his decision to go meatless with a unique contest.

Kostedt is a candidate for PETA’s "Sexiest Vegetarian Next Door" (male category) contest, where people can vote for their favorite looking herbivore. The grand prize is a week-long stint in Hawaii.

More than one hundred guys entered the contest, Kostedt said. He found out about it via Mother Nature Network, a website that includes vegetarian articles. After he entered, PETA got in touch to tell him he was a finalist.

He says he hasn’t missed consuming meat, though he thought he would. He enjoyed burgers and sausage before making the vegetarian switch, he said, but has found alternatives like Morning Star Farms products.

Kostedt has lived in Maryland Heights for about a year. He grew up in St. Peters, and graduated from .

Voting ends for Sexiest Vegetarian Next Door on May 14, a press release indicates, and organizers will announce winners on May 21. Check out the PETA website for more information.