I'll try to explore other dimensions of the POOMA Principle as time goes by, but let's start with the kitchen. Devotees of the POOMA Principle know that you should have the stuff you need on hand, to maximize choice. But, if you just rush out to the store and buy everything, there's bound to be a lot of waste (and avoidable expense).

So, to work with the best range of options, and at the best price, start with your freezer. You know, that thing that you currently keep ice cubes, microwaveable junk, and vodka in. Microwave some junk for lunch so that you don't go shopping hungry, and head to the supermarket. Your objective is to find things that will freeze well, and are on sale. (Vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions, patience. This outing is for the carnivores.)

Head for the meat cases. Meat that has to be thoroughly cooked is the best option for freezing. This includes chicken (whole or pieces), pork (in nearly all its glorious forms), and beef stew meat. A good steak is a treat if it's on sale, but best used right away--steak that's been frozen and thawed won't be as juicy and flavorful. Ditto for ground beef if you're going to make hamburgers: frozen patties will cook up as charred sawdust.  Make burgers from fresh ground beef.

Here's what to watch for on sale:

* whole chickens: these keep real well in the freezer, and are usually better priced than cut-up chicken.
* pork chops/pork loin: these are often on sale. Whole boneless pork loins are often on sale at incredibly low prices, and feed the family first class fare for a pittance.
* pork ribs: baby-back ribs have less fat, but wait until they're on sale.
* Turkey breast: usually already frozen, fantastic value. Cook once and nosh on it all week.
* ground beef or poultry: freeze these for making chili or nachos.

That should be good for a start. DON'T BUY IT IF IT'S NOT A GOOD PRICE. Even if you want to impress your girlfriend. She'll be a lot more impressed when you cook something great all by your lonesome. Bring your goodies home, plunk them in the freezer, and wait a day, week, month or three before you use it. That's The POOMA Way.