On Fasting

I shall speak first about control of the stomach, the opposite to gluttony, and about how to fast and what and how much to eat.

I shall say nothing on my own account, but only what I have received from the Holy Fathers.

They have not given us only a single rule for fasting or a single standard and measure for eating, because not everyone has the same strength, age, illness or delicacy of body create differences.

But they have given us all a single goal: to avoid over-eating and the filling of our bellies...

A clear rule for self-control handed down by the Fathers is this: stop eating while still hungry and do not continue until you are satisfied.

St. John Cassian