Well, the good news is, you don't have to eat just FISH on Fridays during Lent. Yes, the Catholic churches typically do a Fish Fry as a means of fellowship and remembrance of the sacrifice we are making on Fridays, but it's just that - a means of sacrifice. We are honoring the Passion of Jesus on Good Friday.
I found a really neat explanation of fasting and abstinence: The purpose of a fast is to find out who is in control, you or your belly, and to win that control if necessary. It's also a way of using your appetite as a spiritual snooze alarm that moves you to pray.
Find a form of fasting that is appropriate for you, given your age and health. Some fast on bread and water on Wednesdays and Fridays. Some give up sweets throughout Lent. Some fast on one or more days per week from breakfast all the way to dinner, spending lunch hour in prayer or at
The money saved from not buying various things could be given to a ministry serving the physically or spiritually poor. Or, take the time that you would normally be sitting down for a big meal and spend it with someone less fortunate or someone who is ill. There are so many ways to experience the "fasting" part of Lent. It doesn't have to turn into an issue of eating fish on Fridays. Make it a time of reflection on what's really important.
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
—Matthew 6:16-18
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