Fasting

[PeteZaHut]

If fasting is defined as one full meal and two small meals that would not equal the full meal if added together, with no snacking, is it okay to eat less than that? Or would that not be meeting the definition of fasting?

 

[1ke]

Yes, it is ok to do less than that. Some people do bread and water fasts, some do only one meal, etc.

BUT:

If you are under doctor’s care or have any medical conditions/ill health your advise your doctor what you intend to do regarding fasting and get it cleared with the doctor. Those who are ill are not required to fast and the doctor may advise against any severe fast.

A severe fast should also be done under spiritual direction. Self-mortification should never be taken to an extreme and a spiritual director can help you assess whether what you are proposing to undertake is within a healthy range.

 

[Bookcat]

If fasting is defined as one full meal and two small meals that would not equal the full meal if added together, with no snacking, is it okay to eat less than that? Or would that not be meeting the definition of fasting?

Fasting is actually ….one meal.

one **may **have a little something …the so called ‘two small meals’ …

but the fasting is really the living on one meal. the two other things are permitted…

one of course can do more than that if it is within reason and health…

III. 1. The law of abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not of eggs, the products of milk or condiments made of animal fat.

1. The law of fasting allows only one full meal a day, but does not prohibit taking some food in the morning and evening, observing—as far as quantity and quality are concerned—approved local custom. ewtn.com/library/papaldoc/p6paen.htm