When finding time to cook is a struggle, eating vegan can seem more difficult. And while buying tons of takeout or fancy prepared foods saves time, it almost always costs more. Fortunately, there are many ways to save time and money while sticking to your vegan diet. Here are some tips for eating vegan when you’re (almost) too busy to cook:

1. Make a meal plan.

Before you head to the grocery store, plan your meals for the next week (or two!). This is not only a timesaver but a great way to eat vegan on a budget.

2. Cook in big batches.

Consider doubling (or tripling!) the recipes you prepare to make the most of your time. You can make a big pot of soup, pasta, or chili on Sunday and eat the leftovers for lunch or dinner that week. And remember, you can always freeze foods for later.

3. Grab some fast food.

While far from the healthiest choice, sometimes fast food is your only option. Luckily, there are several popular fast-food chains that have vegan offerings. Try the French toast sticks at Burger King, grab a vegan slider from White Castle, or stop by Taco Bell for one of their certified vegan menu items.

4. Stock the basics.

Like a meal plan, making sure you always have some common kitchen staples can save both shopping and cooking time. Some staples we find essential are canned beans, flour, peanut butter, tofu, grains, almond milk, and frozen veggies.

5. Use a crockpot or pressure cooker.

Slow cookers and pressure cookers are great for saving time in the kitchen. While pressure cookers reduce cooking time, crockpot recipes reduce the amount of “babysitting” a dish needs, freeing you to do other things.

6. Try convenience foods.

There is a wide variety of vegan ready-made meals available at most grocers. Grab a frozen meal from Amy’s, a simple instant soup from Thai Kitchen, or a can of veggie chili from your local Trader Joe’s.

7. Learn how to make a few simple meals.

Limited knowledge about meal prep can make it seem more difficult than it actually is. But there are tons of vegan recipes that require just a few ingredients and many that require minimal assembly. Think PB&J or chickpea “tuna” salad sandwiches, or try building your own vegan bowl.

Want more? Click here for delicious vegan recipes and tips on making the switch to a vegan diet.