Forget PETA: Cary woman still feeling sexy

Linda Smith says she never needed a contest to know she was sexy.

The Cary resident, who turns 53 next week, was one of 20 finalists in the "Sexiest Vegetarian over 50" Web contest run by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

There were 10 men and 10 women vying for the top spots - the two winners score a basket filled with vegan treats.

Results were announced Monday and, although Smith placed in the top five on the women's side, she didn't win the contest, PETA officials said.

"Oh well, but that's OK," Smith said, adding that it was an honor to be nominated. "I still feel good and healthy and sexy."

Smith, a married mother of two teenage daughters - one of whom entered her in the contest - gave up red meat two years ago out of her love for animals.

"It doesn't turn me on," she said of red meat. "If you watched all the slaughterhouse videos, you wouldn't eat it either."

Smith also was looking to lead a healthier lifestyle that would ease her into menopause, so she began exercising and noshing on vegetarian meals - her favorite dish involves stuffed peppers.

After three years, the substitute teacher lost 38 pounds and drastically lowered her cholesterol levels.

"You know, when I started losing the weight, I think that I just started feeling better about myself," she said. "When you know you're overweight and you're not feeling good, then you're not comfortable."

Other men have noticed Smith's smokin' hot bod as well.

Randy, her husband of 26 years, said she was the belle of the ball at his 35th high school class reunion in Wisconsin.

But the new attention his wife gets from guys doesn't bother him one bit.

"It makes me feel proud," he said. "I mean, you actually enjoy being with her."