Good article, I wish it delved more on the spiritual and theological reasons to fast beyond legalistic requirements. Fasting is a form of physical prayer, where we express our longing for God, and discipline ourselves against worldly things and pointless conflicts. Fasting, prayer and almsgiving complete each other in this regard. 

I realise the Latin rite is the biggest in the Church, but it must be said that the Eastern rite has not watered down its fasting regulations. The same for goes for those engaging in the traditional preconcilar fasts of the west. Both practices extend beyond just lent, but also include rogation days, vigils and advent, not to mention every Wednesday and Friday. 

Fasting is not masochism, it is a tool to live the faith with mind, body and soul. It Vat 2 invited people to voluntarily structure their fasts by "lowering the bar", many people aim for just passing, few go for the ideal. But it is absolutely still possible to fast as a Latin rite Catholic.