Here are a few more thoughts to consider, when learning about a wild human diet. I think that we can eat many things that animals eat, but some animals can digest foods that would sicken us or at least mess up our digestion, without even providing the nutrients that the human body specifically needs. So learn about dietary common sense and apply it when you learn about what animals eat. I prefer to learn what traditional humans have eaten and how they prepared it, and then see if I can find it in the woods of my own area, and go from there, gathering and practicing preparing it and seeing if I like it.

I've been advised that it's wise to avoid foods that are mostly cellulose, as we only have one stomach and not two, like the animals that eat cellulose diets. We also don't have the right bacterias in our systems to digest the foods that those animals thrive on. I don't have a detailed list of what plants are cellulose, but I assume that includes grasses and plants that would require lots of chewing...any thoughts?

Some animals will specifically seek out healing herbs for different reasons, and we should not make the mistake of consuming large amounts of those herbs to fill out a meal or a relieve a dietary hungar in a survival situation. Just because an animal eats it does not mean they are satisfying their hunger with something nutritious. They may be healing a sickness or something. The result of consumption for us could be serious illness or death. I have never recommended consuming anything that could hurt you. I suggest dandelion, purslane, chickweed, very benign yet tasty things. Just watch out while learning.

Don't put anything into your body until you know ALL about it, unless it has a long history of being totally safe and edible. Build on the wisdom and knowledge and skills of the ancestors. Eating small animals such as rabbits, fish, or insects will provide the more concentrated nutrients that the human body needs in order to be strong in every way. This strength will give you more time to move on to safety or to find civilization, if it comes to that.

Even if you are normally a vegetarian or vegan, in a survival situation, living is the most important thing, so you will have to surrender your ideals for a brief time until the situation is right for your ideals again. Cool? Cool.

Most animals spend a majority of their time grazing or hunting for food, and then eating or digesting it. It takes up the majority of their time. Not so for humans. We can do it quick. But you have to build a foundation of knowledge and skill NOW, because when things go down, it will be too late, and the method of trial by elimination could eliminate you!!!

Whatever food you gather or hunt, be sure to clean it thoroughly, and cook it thoroughly, (steam or fry) in order to kill the numerous parasites that are found in wild, natural foods. Parasites can make you weak and very sick, even at Rainbow Gatherings, when people are somewhat sloppy about cleaning and cooking. Giardia, schigella, and other nasty bugs can make wild human life a living hell, so do your groundwork/preparation, and then enjoy.

So take a little time, now and then, to walk the woods with some helpful books or a friend, and gather some, and try it. You will feel good about yourself as a wild human if you do.

In tribal solidarity,
Manitou Magwa