Ill admit it: I have no idea how vegans do it.

I love chicken, and dont get me started on seafood.

(I grew up on the beach in Florida).

Vegan on a budget

Russell cuts bananas for her vegan empanada recipe. Sharon Steinmann/The Penny Hoarder

And how am I supposed toaffordit?!

Dont get me wrong I love veggies.

But fresh produce can get downright expensive.

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So how do vegans do it without going completely broke?

The answer: carefully.

Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.

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This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.

Go ahead and start now, but be sure to bookmark this post so you could easily return later.

Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.

While she loves rice and beans, she also knows the importance of eating a healthy, balanced diet.

Did you know?

Be Wary of Vegan Alternatives

Russell says vegan alternatives are the biggest budget busters of this diet.

There are some things you just cant live without, says Russell.

For me, its almond milk or vegan butter.

She recommends asking yourself, Do I really need that?

before purchasing vegan alternatives.

If the answer is no, put it down!

Eat at Home

Going out to eat, whether youre vegan or not, can add up.

Russell says dining out as a vegan is a huge challenge.

She has to plan what restaurants she will go to and what she will eat.

Not only is it easier, but its cheaper, too.

She says its possible to snag a good deal on many items every few weeks.

Just be careful ofwhereyou buy frozen veggies or fruits.Some grocery storesare notorious for having expensive frozen products.

Do a little research beforehand so you dont overspend.

For example, quinoa is more expensive than rice.

If youre on a tight budget, why not just use rice?

You also dont have to buy the specific brand your recipe calls for.

Russell says you could buy generic instead of name brand to save a few bucks.

By cooking in bulk with a slow cooker, you’ve got the option to save moneyandtime.

Plus, you’re free to come home after work to a meal thats ready to be eaten.

Russell loves making slow cooker recipes and says theyre huge in saving her money.

When youre ready to enjoy your meal, all you have to do is warm it up and enjoy.

Freezer meals can help yousave as much as $65 a month.

Here are three recipes that cost less than $10.

This slow cooker recipe costs less than $10 to make and provides four or more servings.

If youre cooking for yourself only, this could be your go-to lunch for the entire week!

See the recipe from One Green Planethere.

Total cost: $9.40

Cost per serving (makes 4 servings): $2.35

2.

Russell buys frozen empanada shells to cut down on prep.

See the full recipe from Vegetarian Timeshere.

Total cost: $4.04Cost per serving (makes 6 servings): 67 cents

3.

Just throw the ingredients together in a casserole dish, cook for about 30 minutes, and youre done!

How easy is that?

See the full recipe from blogger Chocolate Covered Katiehere.

Catch her on Twitter @keywordkelly.

Probably not as good as youd like.

It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.

But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?

Ask one of these companies to help…