3 ms·

What is fasting anyway? Some people tell me they "fast" by drinking no alcohol. Others say they fast by only drinking water and not eating anything at all. Why

• newnewpdro 7y ago
  I have never heard someone refer to abstaining from alcohol as fasting. Cleansing, or detoxing, yes. Fasting, no. The people around you are simply misusing the term.
  • Kaiyou 7y ago
    I've also heard it in relation to not eating meat, not eating candy and not eating various other categories of food. Never have I heard it in a meaning of not consuming anything at all, however.
    • deleted 7y ago
      [deleted]
    • newnewpdro 7y ago
      Maybe it's common in a religious context? Fasting meaning abstinence from food is fairly well-established. Breakfast is literally break-fast, with the fasting period being overnight while you slept.
      • Kaiyou 7y ago
        Yes, I mostly hear it in a religious (catholic) context. Fasting lasts a couple of months for them, I think.