Great Fast

The Great Fast last from the end of Maslenitsa to the Great Day, i.e. a total of 40 days. It is the longest fast instituted by the True Confession, and also the most stringent.
During this time, the consumption of all meat and fish (which technically began before Maslenitsa), as well as milk, butter, other dairy products (sour cream, cheese curds, kefir, etc.) and eggs. Spices, most sweets, and alcohol are also prohibited. By and large, allowable foods include fruits and vegetables, grains, beans and lentils, mushrooms, and strangely enough, honey. Allowable foods are to be consumed in moderation.
On Nedelia - the Sabbath day that falls during this period, the restrictions against the consumption of milk, butter, fish and alcohol are relaxed.
Fasting is not required for children, pregnant and nursing women, and the old and infirm.
There is no hard and fast punishment for breaking the fast. Its aim is largely symbolic - to lessen attachment to the world of the flesh in order to sin less. Those who break the fast can attempt to atone by confessing their sins opting for other forms of deprivation during this time.