Exclusive: ‘Survivor’ Star Shares Shocking Worm-Eating Experience and the ‘Gag-Worthy’ Food She Avoided for a Whole Year!

Food and Survival on Survivor: A Journey with Jaime Ruiz

Jaime Ruiz was a contestant on season 44 of Survivor in 2023. Like all contestants, she faced the challenge of finding food in a harsh environment.

After her time on the show, Jaime launched an Instagram series where she recreates the meals she experienced on the island. “I wanted to share what I learned about cooking with limited resources,” she said in an interview with PEOPLE.

On Survivor, players learn quickly that food is scarce. Unlike previous seasons, Ruiz’s tribe didn’t receive rice at the start. Instead, they had to survive using a survival guide that taught them which plants and animals were safe to eat. She spent her days foraging and hunting. “You become part of the island,” she explained. “Your body adapts to the natural rhythm of day and night.”

Ruiz describes the struggle of sharing food among six people. They had few coconuts and papayas, which meant everyone had to ration. “You realize quickly that you’re not eating enough,” she reminisced.

Despite the hard conditions, Ruiz found creativity in cooking. The survival situation pushed her to think outside the box. “Inherently, we’re creative beings,” she stated. “Surviving out there fuels that creativity.” When tribes merged, they exchanged recipes and culinary techniques, which allowed for more varied meals.

It wasn’t just about physical survival; mental health played a big role too. According to recent studies, hunger affects mood and enjoyment of life. This rings true for contestants who often talk about food to cope with their hunger. Ruiz noted, “Food is a big part of connecting with people. It’s always on your mind.”

When they finally received rice later in the season, it transformed the experience. “It was a game-changer,” Ruiz said. “It made meals more satisfying and allowed us to focus better on the game.” However, with increased food came the temptation to overeat. Contestants had to balance their hunger with the risks of feeling ill from consuming too much too quickly.

After getting voted off, Ruiz experienced a wave of relief. “When I had my first cheeseburger after 25 days, it felt heavenly.” The adjustment back to normal food wasn’t easy, though. “I couldn’t eat coconut or papaya for a year. The thought made me feel sick,” she admitted.

Despite those struggles, her time on the island shaped her perspective on food and creativity. “Food connects us to our culture and each other,” she said. Through her new series, she shares fun recipes and recalls memories from Survivor, creating a bond with others who have experienced similar challenges.

In a world of food scarcity, Survivor teaches contestants about resilience and community. Ruiz’s journey reflects how food can be a bridge between people and an essential part of our lives.

For more on survival strategies and eating well in tough conditions, check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s resource on emergency food supplies here.

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