Semifaste

Semifaste is a term used to describe a practice that involves partial fasting or semi-abstinence, rather than universal or prolonged fasting. The term is not standardized and different communities use it with varying scopes and motivations.

In dietary discussions, semifaste typically refers to restricting food intake in a partial way—for example skipping one meal a day, limiting total daily calories to a reduced level, or excluding certain categories of foods on specific days. The aim is usually to reduce intake without complete abstention, and practices can vary by culture, health goals, and personal preference.

In religious and historical contexts, semifaste may denote a form of penitential discipline that falls between full fasting and unrestricted eating. Examples include days of lighter meals, avoiding particular foods, or shorter fasting periods that are not as strict as canonical fasts. Practices are often tied to liturgical calendars and community norms.

In contemporary wellness discourse, semifaste is sometimes used to describe reduced consumption beyond diet, such as digital semifaste (limited media use) or consumer semifaste (restricting shopping). The term thus functions as a flexible label for partial restraint rather than a fixed regimen.

Because of its varied usage, readers should consult context-specific definitions when encountering semifaste. Related concepts include fasting, partial fasting, intermittent fasting, and abstinence.