. . "Fasting is primarily an act of willing abstinence or reduction from certain or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a period of 24 hours, or a number of days. Other fasts may be only partially restrictive, limiting particular foods or substances. The fast may also be intermittent in nature."@en . . . .