Tonight I went grocery shopping.  In case any of you wonder how much it costs to feed a family of 5 (6 on the weekends, not counting the extra sons) healthy food for a week, the total was $106.  Mind you, the pantry was not bare, but I did get snacks.  People often complain about organic food being expensive, but when you are not buying expensive pre-processed junk food, there is room in the grocery bill for the good stuff. 
I also try to save money by buying the larger size of packaged items and using the item in several dishes.  For instance, the small size organic, prewashed spinach was $2.99.  For $3.99, I got twice as much of the same product.  That's enough spinach for a couple of big salads, veggie lasagna, and sauteed spinach.
Another money-saver is making extra at dinner time and eating leftovers for lunch the next day.  I just bought myself a new lunch bag, glass lunch-sized storage containers, and a thermos.  I am getting good use out of them, and enjoying the convenience of having dedicated containers for my lunch.  It encourages me to pack my lunch the night before instead of grabbing what I can in the mornings.

I was very happy with myself last night!  I knew I would not be home until late so I planned ahead, skipped the fast food, and had a very tasty and healthy dinner.  It consisted of roasted red pepper tomato soup (becoming one of my favorites - see the recipe page), a baked sweet potato with cinnamon, and roasted veggies.  It was so easy.  I needed to roast a red pepper for the soup which takes about 15-20 minutes so I cut it open and placed it on a baking sheet.  Then right beside the pepper I put Carribean blend frozen vegetables which I sprinkled with lemon pepper.  I popped a sweet potato in the microwave and found something else to do for 15-20 minutes.  Dinner was almost finished!  I plated the veggies and sweet potato and popped the roasted red pepper in the blender with the other ingredients for the soup.  Since my blender is one of those industrial types, it actually heats the soup as it purees so no additional cooking was needed.  I poured my soup in a bowl and dinner was ready!

My niece who has recently (this week) gone vegan asked me what staples she needs to keep in her pantry for vegetarian/vegan cooking.  Here's my list of things I cannot be without.

Spinach - prewashed, organic, ready-to-go for recipes or salads
lettuce
tomatoes
onions
baby carrots
lemons (1 or 2)
mushrooms - always great to have on hand, but don't overbuy since they don't last long
potatoes
fresh fruit - choose your favorites, two or three types
dried fruit - raisins, cranberries & dates are my favorites
sunflower seeds
nuts - walnuts, pecans, almonds - pick your favorite
Brown Basmati rice
white rice
oatmeal
vegetable broth
canned diced tomatoes
canned organic beans - black, garbanzo, kidney
marinara sauce
dried pasta (I use gluten-free.)
garlic bulbs
basil
cinnamon
salt
black peppercorns in a peppermill
tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
Thai garlic chile sauce - only if you like hot food
honey
baking mix - Bisquick makes a gluten-free mix almost as good as the original.
sugar, agave, or stevia - however you sweeten
assorted teas
frozen vegetables - assorted including vegetable blends
olive oil - extra virgin
red wine vinegar
balsamic vinegar
white vinegar
AND DAIRY PRODUCTS I WOULD NOT BE WITHOUT, BUT YOU CAN FIND VEGAN SUBSTITUTES:
butter
sour cream
2 % milk
yogurt - plain, Greek, organic
sharp cheddar cheese
mozzarella cheese

From this pantry list, I can make a variety of meals that are quick and easy.  These are also basic ingredients that are combined with other ingredients to make more complicated meals.

Welcome to Healthy in Springfield!  This blog has been created as a support group for those striving to live a healthier lifestyle.  While the focus is nutrition, you are invited to share all your tips for healthier living, as well as recipes and websites.  This is also a place to share your struggles in your quest for a healthier lifestyle.  The only thing not allowed is criticism of others' choices.  We all have to make the best choices for our own bodies and those choices are different for everyone.  Everyone is welcome to share their opinions and the best facts they collect, and all are welcome whether vegan, vegetarian, or full-blown carnivore!  What are you waiting for?  Post something!