In the Orthodox Christian tradition fasting is not about deprivation, says Catherine Mandell, author of "When You Fast: Recipes for Lenten Seasons."

"Easter should be for us a genuine joy," says Lutheran pastor, professor, and writer Walter Wangerin Jr, "that for a while death was all that existed, but coming with Easter is the remarkable, surprising grace that death is overcome."

Jack Hinton says fasting involves "introspection and deep contemplation of your own spiritual state."

For Western Christians, Sunday (March 16) is Palm Sunday, which begins Holy Week, leading up to Easter (March 23). But Eastern Orthodox Christians have just begun observing their time of Lent. Because of differing church calendars, Western and Eastern Christians usually celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on different dates.