Do you want to cut time in the kitchen by half, and still enjoy tasty, healthy meals?    Do you want to reduce overwhelm and frustration while preparing dinner?   Here's the top 10 list for easy, immediate time-saving that you can start using right away.
The list encompasses many areas from tools, packaging, and how to cut, so start with whatever you find the easiest.

1. Invest in good cooking tools, especially those you use everyday, particularly a chef's knife (keep it sharp!) and large cutting boards or flexible mat set.
   Better tools makes cooking fun, easier and faster.
   
2. When prepping something, make extra - especially food that takes time for cleaning such as leeks.
   Decide what's for dinner the next few days based on what you already have prepped to take advantage of your efforts.
   
3. Always keep some "work-horse" bases (ideally home-made) and items in your fridge, freezer and pantry, so that when you don't have time, all you need to do is assemble and heat up.
    
4. Cut things thin and small so they cook faster.
   Or use vegetables or cuts that require minimum washing, trimming, or cook fast.
   
5. Increase the number of dishes that you can makeover into several other dishes, and keep the list handy.
    
6. Utilize microwave and toaster oven as necessary.
   They often shorten cooking time significantly.
   
7. Be sure to use your timer! It will set you free! Also keep small post-it notes in the kitchen drawer and write down what you need to do when the time is up.
   
8. Package right -- in easy to use sizes and shapes, especially if you are planning to freeze.
   
9. When saving something for the future, label what it is with the date you prepped it (or reheated it), and the amount if appropriate.
   
10. Keep all the labels facing you so that you know what they are at a glance.
    Keep things you plan to use right away in the area that's easiest to find in the fridge/freezer.
    

Start with whatever you find easiest...
You'll realize these new habits will make your life much easier.