Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food and/or drink for a period of time. It is often done for religious or spiritual reasons, but can also be done for health reasons. ABSTINENCE is the act of refraining from certain activities, such as eating, drinking, or engaging in sexual activity. Fasting and ABSTINENCE are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. ABSTINENCE is more focused on refraining from certain activities, while fasting is more focused on abstaining from food and/or drink.