Things you probably know about Sam Talbot: he was a breakout Top Chef star, runs two of-the-moment restaurants and is a regular on the NYC beach and nightlife circuits. Things you don't: he has diabetes and never leaves home without a snack. We grilled the 6'5" chef just before the release of his first book, <a href=http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Life-Diabetes-without-Boundaries/dp/1605290955 target=_blank>The Sweet Life: Diabetes Without Boundaries</a>.Number one reason for taking care of his body: I’m a type 1 Diabetic, and I was diagnosed at age 12. So I really learned at a young age the importance of monitoring your blood sugar and watching your food intake. Typical workouts: I do a lot of abs and yoga and free weights. Sometimes at home. Sometimes at the gym. What we'd be surprised to find in his fridge: Shiratake noodles. Usually when people look in my fridge they’re like, "what the hell’s that?" Typical breakfast: Usually scrambled egg whites with almond milk. Inspiration for his forthcoming book: I really wanted to use the platform that I have to be able to educate others on the importance of eating well and what it can do for anybody — not just someone who is a diabetic. It doesn’t just come from my cooking, it comes from my whole lifestyle. You know: yoga, surfing, the outdoors, the whole nine. How he snacks: I make a lot of different low-carb, vegan stuff. And I carry juice boxes. I’m like a six year old. Best place for a hot date: I like to go out of the city; either the Catskills or maybe cooking at home in Montauk. Favorite fall farmer's market find: I love that cooking gets a little more hearty and comforting and root vegetables start to pop. For me, it’s about making warm hearty stews. Things that warm the soul. All-time favorite city: I really love New York City. It’s so alive here. I also think Marin County is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Best vacation: Brazil with my friends, Goose and Mike.Style icons: I dig Steve McQueen, Ralph Lauren and Hunter S. Thompson. One thing in his wardrobe he can’t live without: I wear a lot of vintage button-downs that I’ve collected from all across America from different small towns. I like things that tell a story. Health heroes: Gwyneth Paltrow is a great example of someone who is really trying to bring awareness to overall health. I think Dr. Oz is on the forefront of educating. Pet peeve: When the bottoms of my jeans get wet (laughs). You know, like when you’re walking and the heels of your pants get all wet? Most surreal career moment: Having Eric Ripert write the forward of my book.What he eats to feel healthy: My homemade Coconut Acai Crumble (<a href=/articles/2011/10/samtalbotrecipe>get the recipe</a>). On his bucket list: I don’t think I have one. I just fly by the seat of my pants. Latest obsession: I’m really loving my new <a href="https://www.onetouch.com/offers?utm_campaign=Tier%201&#x26utm_source=google&#x26utm_medium=cpc&#x26utm_content=OneTouch%20Ultra%20Mini%20-%20Specific&#x26utm_term=ultra%20minihttp://"target=_blank>One Touch Ultra Mini</a>, my blood glucose reader to keep my blood sugar in check. It’s small and sleek, and it’s my favorite color: purple. What he's totally over: Phones. Best gift he's ever received: I’m kind of obsessed with my new <a href=http://www.barbour.com/us/mens-clothing target=_blank>Barbour jacket</a>. My girlfriend gave it to me as a pre-birthday gift. My birthday’s in December, and since it’s so close to Christmas I always get screwed. If he wasn't a chef: I'd probably do something in fashion. Message he'd like to send to the world. (Only catch: It has to be 140 characters or less): Cook nice.