> But, most of the animals that our ancestors ate was
> in fact lean. 

The Native Americans in the Eastern Woodlands, would
kill numerous bear just prior to hibernation, when
they were loaded with fat.  This fat would be stored
in huge deerskin vats, hundreds of gallons at a time,
which would sustain the tribe through the winter.

The Native Americans that inhabited the coast along
the Pacific Northwest would kill a massive whale just
prior to winter.  This kill was made specifically for
the fat, which would be used as a gravy for dipping
venison and other lean meat. 

The Souix, Northern Cheyene, Comanches, and other
plains indians would search out and kill old bison,
with thick layers of fat along the back and around the
kidneys.  The lean usually went to the dogs, or was
left to rot.

Surviving a harsh winter when there were no available
carbohydrates until spring would be impossible, as
lean protein over the long haul will eventually take
you out. 

I've spent the last couple of month reading up on
Native Americans.  Although the tribes are different
from one another, the one common theme among them all
is that they go to great lengths to search out and
secure fat. 

Mark




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