ABSTINENCE
Catholics over 14 years of age are bound to the obligations of abstinence. Abstinence is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent. On days of abstinence, meat may not be used at all.
FAST
Catholics over 18 and up to the beginning of their sixtieth year are bound to the obligation of fasting. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are the days of fasting. On these days, only one full meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices are allowed.
Lenten suppers often consist of a vegetarian soup, bread, and water in order to maintain the season’s focus on abstinence, sacrifice, and simplicity. Picture by Katrin Gilger – Linsen-Möhren-Orangensuppe, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link