The traditional fast is a 24-hour period of time (or something close to it) in which the person who is fasting goes without any food or drink, typically skipping two meals. However, such a fast is not always practical. Some people have medical conditions that require them to eat or drink at certain times. Some people get faint when they go too long without water. A regular fast isn't possible for everyone. However, while it's not always possible to fast the normal way, it's always possible to fast in spirit.
The spirit of fasting isn't to go hungry; it's to resist an appetite. It is to resist temptation. It is to gain mastery over one's own body and choices. Going completely without food and drink isn't the only way to do that. We can (and usually should) resist other appetites instead, and we should always resist temptation. Those who can't fast the normal way may need to get creative, but it is possible to find other ways to fast.
Of course, one should fast regularly, if they can, but if they can't fast the normal way, there are alternatives. One can fast from food, but still drink water. One can fast normally, with the exception of eating only when it's medically necessary. One can fast from particular kinds of foods. And fasting doesn't actually have to be able food at all. Over the past several months, millions of members have been asked to participate in social media fasts. Any habitual behavior one can theoretically live without for a short while can become part of a fast. Fasting can mean other things than going without food and drink for a day. If you can't fast normally - for any reason(s) - instead pray, get creative, and find other ways to fast.
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