Mark, During the fast we come to personally experience hunger in the world as well as more deeply reflecting on eating/drinking habits that are less than healthy. During the fast one tries to deepen their relationship with Jesus and through the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass daily learn to appreciate Jesus as the "Bread of Life". During Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament and while humbly approaching Jesus in the Confessional, we clean/purify our souls which help us on our spiritual journeys here on earth. By a regular examination of conscience and confessing our sins, our hearts and souls become more and more aware of our responsibility to God and to our brothers and sisters. We empty ourselves of the coffee, food, alcohol, etc. that we daily consume and perhaps have even been controlled by. This type of fast can help us balance our physical and spiritual needs! We fast from food but not from the "Bread of Life"! We drink water, knowing that Jesus is the source of living water!