Who is dictating that 6 p.m. is too early for dinner? I think the best idea is to eat when your body tells you it's hungry rather than allowing yourself to be dictated to by what is right or convenient for other people. Waiting until around 7.30 - 8 p.m. is a disaster for weight control if you're tempted to snack in the meantime. Over the course of a year these snacks could amount to an additional stone in weight being added. Also, it's not good for your digestion to eat a big meal late in the evening. If you're able to please yourself I'd start cooking as soon as you get home. You will snack less and probaly keep a better control of your weight if this is an issue.