Fasting for Lent and Fasting PERIOD

What you are describing are two very different things. Intermittent Fasting (IF), is an appetite control strategy where someone eats their entire daily calorie allowance within certain hours of the day. Some people find this beneficial for controlling cravings and staying within their goal. It is by no means necessary for weight loss however, but may be beneficial.

The second is religious fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday during Lent. These are more traditional fasts, where the person engaging in them restricts food intake during that time. The Catholic Church permits one meal and two small snacks (not to equal the size of a second meal combined) during this time. So it does not have to be a full 24 hour fast. However intake should be reduced by at least some measurable level during those days, and those partaking should abstain from meat as well during those days. This type of fasting would not be sustainable on a long term basis, but is suitable for those days.

I have special dispensation due to diabetes and do not have to fast according to regular rules during Lent; however, I will bring down my food intake during fasting days while still ensuring that my blood sugar levels stay within a safe range. That looks more like eating 4 snacks throughout the day.