The Anti-Inflammatory Dinner I Make When I’m Tired, Hungry, and Done Making Decisions

We’ve all been there.

The clock hits 6:30, your energy is gone, and your brain is screaming “just order takeout.”

But when you’re healing inflammation, managing blood sugar, or trying to hit your protein goals, takeout often leaves you more tired, bloated, and frustrated than when you started.

That’s why I keep a few “decision fatigue dinners” in my back pocket. These are meals I can pull together in less than 30 minutes, without chopping, measuring, or overthinking—yet they’re full of flavor, protein, fiber, and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

This is one of my Trader Joe’s favorites.

The Ingredients

All of these come ready-to-go from Trader Joe’s, and they play beautifully together:

• Pre-Seasoned Chicken Shawarma – just pop it in the oven at 400°F until cooked through. The spices are bold, warm, and anti-inflammatory.

• Pre-Steamed Lentils – already cooked, just heat on the stovetop for 5 minutes. Packed with protein and fiber for stable blood sugar.

• Frozen Falafel – air fry for 15 minutes and you’ve got crispy, savory plant-based protein.

• Vegan Tzatziki Dip – cool, creamy, and the perfect partner for both the chicken and falafel.

How to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Add the chicken shawarma to a sheet pan and bake until golden and cooked through (about 20 minutes).

2. While that’s cooking, toss the frozen falafel in your air fryer at 375°F for 15 minutes.

3. Heat the pre-steamed lentils on the stovetop—literally takes 5 minutes.

4. Plate it all up and add a generous scoop of vegan tzatziki on the side for dipping.

Dinner. Done.

Why This Meal Works

• High in protein: Between the chicken, lentils, and falafel, you’ve got plenty of muscle-supporting protein.

• High in fiber: Lentils and falafel bring gut-loving fiber to keep you satisfied and regulate blood sugar.

• Anti-inflammatory: Spices in the shawarma, plant-based protein, and whole-food ingredients work with your body—not against it.

• Big flavor, zero effort: It tastes like you put in way more work than you did.

Final Thoughts

When you’re short on time and your brain is fried, the best gift you can give yourself is an easy, nourishing meal that doesn’t undo your progress.

This one feels like takeout but heals like homemade.

Save this for the next night you’re tired, hungry, and just want dinner to happen.