The 6 PM Question That Changed Everything
Picture this: You’re staring into your fridge at 6 PM, exhausted from the day, and your body is practically begging you to order takeout. But here’s what I learned during my years analyzing food with medical professionals your body isn’t asking for more food. It’s asking for the RIGHT food at the RIGHT time.
This is the story of how one simple soup became my evening game-changer.

Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Fajita Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. This slow start helps your body begin transitioning from day to evening mode.
- Add minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, grated ginger, and cayenne (if using). Stir and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic. The warming spices will signal your nervous system to start relaxing.
- Add chicken strips to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through and no longer pink. The gentle cooking preserves the protein’s digestibility.
- Add all bell peppers (red, yellow, and green) to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still vibrant. We want to preserve their anti-inflammatory compounds and natural crunch.
- Pour in bone broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil – this matches your body’s evening energy). Let simmer for 8-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. The soup should be well-balanced and comforting – perfect for your body’s evening needs.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice. The citrus helps with nutrient absorption while cilantro aids in detoxification – perfect for your body’s overnight repair work. Ladle into bowls and garnish generously with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot but not scalding between 6-8 PM when your body is naturally transitioning to repair mode. Eat slowly, putting your spoon down between bites to allow proper digestion and satisfaction.
Why Your Body Craves This at Sunset

The Science Moment: By evening, your body shifts from active metabolism to repair mode. Your cortisol drops, your digestive fire slows, and inflammation from the day needs to be quieted. This isn’t the time for heavy, complex meals it’s time for gentle, healing nutrition.
That’s where this anti inflammatory chicken fajita soup comes in. It’s like a warm hug for your tired system, packed with ingredients that work WITH your body’s natural evening rhythms.
The Magic Timing Formula
Morning Version: Too heavy would overwhelm your awakening digestive system
Midday Version: Good, but your body wants more activation energy
Evening Version: PERFECT supports your body’s natural wind down process
The Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse Ingredients
Chicken (The Gentle Protein)
- Why It Works: Easily digestible protein that won’t stress your evening digestion
- The Timing Factor: Provides amino acids for overnight muscle repair without the heaviness of red meat
Bell Peppers (The Inflammation Fighter)
- Why It Works: Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants that calm daily inflammation
- The Timing Factor: Their natural sweetness satisfies evening cravings without sugar crashes
Turmeric & Ginger (The Healing Duo)
- Why It Works: These golden warriors actively reduce inflammation at the cellular level
- The Timing Factor: Help your body process the day’s stressors and prepare for restorative sleep
Bone Broth Base (The Gut Healer)
- Why It Works: Collagen and minerals that repair your digestive lining
- The Timing Factor: Warm, soothing liquid that signals your body it’s time to relax
For another healing recipe that uses broth as a gut-soothing base, try our Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish.
The Recipe That Heals
Ingredients (Serves 4)

- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 6 cups bone broth (or high-quality chicken broth)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Evening Preparation Ritual

Step 1: Create Your Base (5 minutes) Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. This slow start helps your body begin transitioning from day to evening.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation (5 minutes) Add garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and ginger. Let them bloom for 30 seconds. The aroma alone will signal your nervous system to start relaxing.
Step 3: Add the Healing Elements (10 minutes) Add chicken strips and cook until just done. Add bell peppers and cook until slightly softened but still vibrant. Remember we’re not cooking the life out of our vegetables.
Step 4: Create the Liquid Medicine (5 minutes) Pour in bone broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer. This isn’t a rolling boil it’s a peaceful bubble that matches your body’s evening energy.
Step 5: The Final Touch Add lime juice and fresh cilantro. The citrus helps with nutrient absorption, while cilantro aids in detoxification perfect for your body’s overnight repair work.
The Aria Serving Secret
Portion Philosophy: Your evening portions should be satisfying but not overwhelming. Think “comfortably full” not “need to unbutton pants.”
The 20-Minute Rule: Eat slowly and put your spoon down between bites. Your body needs time to register satisfaction in the evening.
Temperature Matters: Serve it hot but not scalding. Your digestive system is winding down and doesn’t want to be shocked.
Why This Works Better Than Any Takeout
Unlike the heavy, sodium loaded alternatives, this soup:
- Reduces inflammation instead of creating it
- Provides nutrients your body can actually use for overnight repair
- Satisfies your comfort food cravings without the 9 PM energy crash
- Supports better sleep quality through proper evening nutrition
The Reader Results
“I made this last Tuesday and slept better than I had in weeks. My body felt so calm after eating it!” – Sarah M.
“Finally, a recipe that doesn’t leave me feeling heavy at bedtime. This is going into my weekly rotation.” – Mike T.
Your Next Step
Try this recipe this week, but here’s the key: eat it between 6-8 PM when your body is naturally transitioning to evening mode. Pay attention to how you feel not just while eating, but how you sleep and wake up the next morning.
Your body will thank you for working with its natural rhythms instead of against them.
The Aria Promise
Every recipe I share follows this same principle: the right food at the right time for your body’s optimal function. This isn’t just cooking it’s chronobiology in action.
What’s your biggest evening eating challenge? Drop a comment below and let’s solve it together.
Posted by Aria Atolt | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Best Time: 6-8 PM
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