If you have kids, snacks such as chips and cookies and soda pop and ice cream will blow any budget out of the water. As for meat, it is whatever is in the freezer - period. Otherwise, it is whatever is on sale that week. If the sale item is a roast, then that is what we have, followed by hot roast sandwiches, shredded meat tacos, casseroles until it is all gone. Hint: when making casseroles, make two or three and freeze two. One can be for when you're feeling lazy, the mini-casserole can be microwaved for lunch at work.
Cheaper dining is to cook ethnic. You can learn this. Choose Indian, Mexican, whatever where meat is more a condiment or flavoring than the main plate filler.
Whenever your favorite canned goods are on sale, stock up if the price is really a bargain. A can of peaches at 50 cents beats a can of peaches at $1.50
It helps to have a garden. During the summer we can have tomatoes most every day (whatever the DW hasn't given to the neighbors). Need some herbs? Just pick them from your garden or windowsill.
Farmers' Markets aren't always cheaper that supermarkets -- take care. Never buy just a few things at a convenience store just because you happen to be there getting gas
Having hobbies helps. If you're really engrossed in something enjoyable, you don't snack as much as you would if you're just sitting around watching HBO
A recent article claimed buying stuff such as a new flat-screen wasn't the problem in reaching FI, it was the constant buying of convenience foods