Yes, I do think it is realistic… I am not wealthy but have made feeding my family a priority.  So, my ratio of what we earn versus what we spend on food might be higher than some. But that’s not to say it’s always expensive either.

There are ways to save.

I joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Shared Harvest a few years back.  Each week we get a bin full of fresh organic locally produced vegetables, herbs, and fruits. If I were to buy these in the store I’d spend much more over the same time period. 

There are certain produce items I insist on organic and others not so much. Check out the dirty dozen here.  Then when it comes to dairy I make sure it’s had no hormones first if there is no organic.  Fish and seafood I choose for less contamination from heavy metals and chemicals. 

Then if you stay away from many prepared foods and processed foods it’s amazing how much you can save.  You can make sure there are certain nutrient rich foods (broccoli, beans, nuts, oatmeal) in your diet that aren’t so expensive (nuts in small quantities), some less expensive bought frozen (organic berries, organic spinach, fish) and some less expensive bought from certain stores (Trader Joe’s, Target). 

In a fabulous article recently, Mark Bittman discusses how it’s actually cheaper to eat well.  Take a look at that and you’ll see some examples and ideas.

Good luck!