Some days 24 hours just doesn't seem like enough time to accomplish everything you wanted to do. While you can't add more time to the day, you can make the most of the time you do have with a little planning.

Time-saving tips

Follow these time-saving kitchen tips (some require a little time up front) and carve out a few extra minutes here and there. With the time saved, go for a walk after dinner, read a book, or take an extra-long shower. If you have 20 minutes to make dinner, check out the recipe ideas at Campbell's Kitchen.

• Make your groceries work double time.

  • Serve veggie chili one night and use the leftovers for burrito fillings another night.

  • When you carve a roast chicken, cube some meat to add to a stir-fry.

  • Planning turkey burgers? Buy enough meat to brown and add to pasta sauce.
    

• Work ahead

  • Cutting vegetables? Always chop extra. The next night you could prepare a stir-fry with no chopping required. It also makes veggies and low-fat dip an easy-to-grab, healthful snack.

  • Grilling fish? Toss some vegetables on the grill. Eat some the first night, and the next night add them to a salad, pizza, or an omelet.

  • Double the recipes/meals you prepare and freeze half. If you do this every night for one week, you will have an entire week of frozen meals for later use. (Keep in mind, some foods freeze better than others.)
    

• Shop smart

  • Take advantage of pre-cut vegetables, pre-shredded cheese and cabbage, and pre-washed greens. They often cost more, but the time you save can be worth it.
    

• Embellish

  • Start with prepared soup and add vegetables — they'll cook in the soup — and rice.

  • Pasta sauce can become your own by adding chopped tomatoes, roasted red peppers, fresh basil, and grated cheese.
    

Q and A

Q: Do vitamins specially formulated to relieve stress really work?

A: Typically these "stress" formulas contain the B vitamins: thiamin, niacin, B6 and B12, folate, biotin, and pantothenic acid. The "B complex" vitamins earned their reputation because, while they each have unique functions, they all play a role in energy production. But there is no evidence that taking a B complex supplement will lower stress, increase your energy, or help your body handle stress. Eating plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and legumes will ensure that you get enough of these essential nutrients.