Meet Charbel Hayek: a chef whose life is a whirlwind of culinary creativity and commitment to fitness.
<p data-journey-content="true" data-node-id="recipe-intro.1" class="css-6wxqfj emevuu60">At just 28, he manages multiple restaurants, including the well-known <a href="https://www.ladyhawkrestaurant.com/" target="_blank" class="body-link css-1d8p8n5 emevuu60">Ladyhawk</a> in West Hollywood, plus more locations across Los Angeles and Miami, with two new ventures on the horizon for 2026. Yet remarkably, he hasn’t gained more than a few pounds since graduating from culinary school in France.</p>
<p data-journey-content="true" data-node-id="recipe-intro.2" class="css-6wxqfj emevuu60">So, how does Charbel maintain a fit lifestyle amid such a busy schedule? He emphasizes the importance of healthy eating and fitness as non-negotiable parts of his routine. He hits the gym two to three times a week and supplements this with running, swimming, and recently, boxing.</p>
<p data-journey-content="true" data-node-id="recipe-intro.4" class="css-6wxqfj emevuu60">“My main fitness goal right now is to be consistent—making healthy choices every day that keep me feeling strong and energized,” he explains. This commitment to wellness also extends to his diet, where he focuses on high-protein meals that are both satisfying and light, like his flavorful spin on shrimp tacos.</p>
<p data-journey-content="true" data-node-id="recipe-intro.5" class="css-6wxqfj emevuu60">These shrimp tacos are quick to prepare, especially if you prep the harissa sauce in advance. In fact, doubling the recipe and storing half for later is a smart move—it truly enhances the dish!</p>
Nutrition per serving: 572 calories, 37 g protein, 34 g carbs (11 g fiber), 34 g fat
Food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich. Prop styling by JJ Chan.
Paul Kita is a Deputy Editor at Men’s Health, where he has passionately covered topics related to food, cooking, nutrition, supplements, grooming, tech, travel, and fatherhood for over 15 years. He is also the author of two Men’s Health cookbooks, Guy Gourmet and A Man, A Pan, A Plan, and the proud recipient of a James Beard Award.
Conclusion:
Charbel Hayek demonstrates that a busy lifestyle doesn’t have to be an obstacle to fitness. His commitment to regular exercise and nutritious meals can inspire anyone looking to integrate health into a hectic schedule. The key takeaway? Prioritize consistency in your fitness routine and meal planning, and you, too, can achieve your wellness goals amidst life’s demands.
