Prep ingredients during the weekend - wash and chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and portion out ingredients for the week ahead

Use high heat cooking methods like stir-frying, sautéing, or broiling to cook food faster while maintaining flavor and texture

Keep quick-cooking proteins like shrimp, thin chicken breasts, or ground meat in your freezer for last-minute meals

Invest in time-saving tools: a good sharp knife, instant pot, air fryer, and quality non-stick pans can cut cooking time in half

Cook pasta directly in the sauce with extra liquid to save time and dishes - the starch helps thicken the sauce naturally

Use pre-cut vegetables and pre-washed salad greens when you're really pressed for time - it's worth the small extra cost