Ah the ol’ fasting questions. How I love them
There are no actual “rules” when it comes to voluntary fasting. On the days like Good Friday or Ash Wednesday that the Church sets aside, you must follow the rules of not eating any animal meat etc. However, when someone voluntary fasts on their own will (as a form of sacrifice and obedience to the Lord), then there are no real set standards. You can just give up at any time and say “God, take what I’ve done thus far and use it, I can’t hold out anymore”. However, the more you fast, the better (obviously), so people often take it upon themselves to stick it out to the end if they start.
I know many people who do bread and water fasts. I used to do them every Wednesday as well. I strongly recommend them, they’re a great source of grace and indulgences. It’s not uncommon to see people having coffee or tea on those days as well, I did the same thing
. When you think about it, it’s still just water, just boiled and flavored with natural stuff. It’s kind of a “cheat” way to ease the difficulty of fasting, but I wouldn’t think anyone (including your priest) finds anything wrong with it. A lot of people can’t live without their daily coffee. If you have 1 cup a day then it doesn’t necessarily break your fast.
That, or you could try putting something light on your bread, like honey or butter. It’s still bread
