My mom used to "cleanse" every Friday during Lent. The real-deal hardcore "mick" fasting--only water and coffee. We used to steer clear of her. She seemed to reach for the wooden spoon (paddle) more readily during Fridays in Lent.

Each to his/her own. Fasting/cleansing isn't for me. I won't get my cholesterol or blood tested because I refuse to fast. I need to eat regular or I turn into a Strega.

My idea of cleansing my system is eating no junk food for a couple days in a row. Happens only when I have the stomach flu.