A welcome question indeed!  The important thing to keep in mind during Lent is that we are trying to consciously  pursue  the way that Christ has called us to which leads to the Kingdom, symbolized by Pascha (Easter).  Christ calls, empowers and accompanies.

 

There are things that will help us in this conscious effort.  We need to be reminded of the effort and the way we are going.  The stomach, since it is so closely linked with our  consciousness, can serve as this reminder.  Thus, we fast.  Not because the food we refuse is bad for us (although fasting is also helpful to the body), nor because it pleases God to see us miserable as we avoid what we crave.  We fast to remember.

 

What ought we to avoid?  The second last Sunday before Lent is Meatfare Sunday - that is the last time we would eat meat before Pascha.  The last is Cheesefare.  That is the last time we would eat dairy products.  Fish is allowed on special days.  Otherwise vegetable and fruit products - in moderation - are the rule.  Saturdays and Sundays are days when we relax our fasting.  Such is the ideal.  However it is better to do a little well then to aim at a great deal and then give up or just feel lots of guilt because one has not attained such ideals.  So you may decide to keep especially the first and last (Passion) week as a time of particular abstinence, and for the rest of Lent perhaps Wednesdays and Fridays (these days are usually fasting days throughout the year by the way).  If you can do more than that - great!  As long as you remember that fasting is for remembering.

 

Remembering what?  To pray for one.  Fasting without prayer is something that even demons do!  We fast in order to pray more, better.  Particular attention to times of prayer is the goal of fasting.  It would be good to do the morning and evening prayers each day if one has not been doing them regularly beforehand.  If one has one can add more prayers - or prayerful reading of Scripture, especially the Psalms.  It is so good to do the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrina with prostrations in the morning and at night.

 

We must also remember to guard our thoughts with particular diligence, for they are the source from which good and evil flow like rivers.  It is very important to keep forgiveness at the forefront of our thoughts about other people (and even about ourselves - we are our own closest neighbour!).  As we fast we may find ourselves bombarded with recollections of how people have hurt us or been insensitive to our needs.  The rule is forgive and keep on forgiving.  Remember that forgiveness is not a matter of deciding to feel good about someone, but a decision of the will to wish them no evil but good in every way.

 

Speaking of prayer, remember that it is not just private - or family (how good it would be if we were to pray regularly as a family, at least during Lent!) - prayer of which we speak.  We must exericise diligence in attending Worship - of which most Churches have a good deal more during Lent.  We must prepare for and make a good Confession at least once during Lent.  How wonderful it is if we are able to receive the Eucharist at least every Sunday during Lent!

 

And we must remember that Lent is a time for particular efforts and giving alms.  That does mean money - to the point of depriving ourselves of something so someone else needier than we are might have at least food.  But it also means other forms of giving.  Time to those who need it - the sick, the troubled, the neglected.  Quality time with our family and friends.  Prayer time for those who have wronged us, or who are in conflict with us.

 

I hope this has been helpful.  It is by no means exhaustive or even terribly instructive.  But it may serve some purpose.  May God bless you and your family in your praiseworthy decision to keep His fast.   A final note: if you have so decided it is because He has already called you to it and so will help you.

 

As you pray, pray also for us who are especially called upon to pray, to lead prayers, to guide and to teach.  No one is worthy of such a calling and no one except Christ does it very well.  But we offer what we have just as the little boy offered Christ his two fish and five loaves to feed the multitude.  And praise the Lord, He manages to do it!