We hear about it all day — the trouble the automotive companies are in, the mess the banking and real estate business are in, not to mention the sharp declines in the stock market.

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So I thought I’d share a short list of how to maintain your healthy eating without breaking your budget. Whether you’re a vegetarian college student, searching for a job, or down on the dumps, the 8 tips below are for you. Share how you’re coping in the comments?

1. Grow a garden

It sounds cheesy, but one of the biggest ways to save money is to simply grow a garden. Organic produce doesn’t come cheap, but its relatively easy to grow. If you can’t handle an outdoor garden, grow a couple tomato plants indoors. If you’re willing to grow an outdoor garden consider beans, hot peppers, lettuce, basil, and cucumbers as just a few potential crops.

2. Look for health food brands and chain grocery stores

Kroger, Meijer and others have started to carry organic produce and some familiar health food brands, such Morningstar and Annie’s. Regional availability is still an issue, but you can find a lot of good deals at these places.

3. Shop Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s (if you’re lucky enough to have one by you) is an awesome asset to vegetarians. While the selection can be somewhat lacking, the prices are unbeatable. I often find the EXACT same item for 2-3 dollars cheaper than at Whole Paycheck… er I mean Whole Foods Market, the other health food chain by me (DISCLOSURE: I have several friends at WFM, and I definitely support what they’re doing, despite the high prices.)

4. Shop local health food joints

Many areas have local health food stores that can be very competitive in pricing with retail chains like Whole Foods Market. While not as cheap as some places (Trader Joe’s), these places often have a broad selection, such as a variety of organic cheeses or entrees, which a place like Trader Joe’s does not.

5. Eat in

Eating in — it’s romantic, it’s tasty, and it’s affordable. If your cash is tight eat in, it’s just common sense. Besides, there’s a shortage of good vegetarian restaurants and they typically charge a premium. Even if you are willing to make due with less-than-health food like Italian joints, you can still cook a premium organic vegetarian meal for the price that it would take to buy a run-of-the-mill dinner.

6. Check out the co-ops

Afraid to garden on your own? Want to meet other vegetarians? Do some research on co-ops in your area. Most parts of the country have these groups and they can be great and provide a lot of savings over the course of the year. Besides being part of a co-op makes you feel pretty darn groovy.

7. Clip coupons

This is another seemingly common sense tip, but many don’t know how many coupons there are out there for health food. Check out Whole Foods Market if there’s one by you — they put out really nice books of coupons, which can often be used at competitors. Vegetarian magazines also are another good source, and sometimes you can go directly to retailers website or try writing your favorite retailer to receive more special offers. Visit a frugal forum or get some tofurky coupons?

8. Buy in bulk

The last tip of the day is to buy in bulk. Sounds obvious, right? Well actually a lot of organic and vegetarian food items aren’t available in bulk or are just becoming available. Case and point — my favorite smoothy maker Sambazon just recently released a jumbo bottle of the Acai drink, which delivers about 3 little bottles worth for 2/3’s of the price. Keep your eyes peeled and take advantage of these opportunities when you find them!

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