A growing body of data suggests that occasionally skipping meals has health benefits (in addition to the spiritual ones), the Los Angeles Times reports. It's receiving new attention because a number of people are turning to it to lose weight.
"Called intermittent fasting, this rather stark approach to weight control appears to be supported by science, not to mention various religious and cultural practices around the globe. The practice is a way to become more circumspect about food, its adherents say. But it also seems to yield the benefits of calorie restriction, which may ultimately reduce the risk of some diseases and even extend life. Read more.
For more on fasting in Catholic tradition, see this article from the 1917 Catholic Encyclopedia.
