How about just following the traditional fasting rules of the Church? When did the idea of "giving something up" come into vogue?
St John Chrysostom has this to say:
"Do You Fast?
Give me proof of it by your works.
If you see a poor man, take pity on him.
If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him.
Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eves, and the ears, and the feet,
and the hands and all the members of our bodies.
Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice.
Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin.
Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful...
Let the ear fast... by not listening to evil talk and gossip...
Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism. For what good is it if
we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers?"