What is a period of time when food is not eaten called?

The term that describes a period of time when food is not consumed is fasting. Fasting generally refers to intentionally abstaining from all or some types of food and drink for a specific period. This practice can be for various reasons, including religious observance, health benefits, or detoxification purposes.

In terms of its application, fasting can vary in duration, from a few hours to several days, and can involve complete abstention from food or a reduction in food intake. The key aspect of fasting is the deliberate decision to refrain from eating during that time.

Other options do refer to eating patterns or dietary restrictions but do not capture the essence of a specific period during which food is entirely avoided. Dieting typically implies a controlled eating plan but does not inherently mean no food is consumed. Intermittent eating suggests a pattern of eating and not eating, which is similar to fasting but typically involves scheduled times for eating rather than a complete absence of food. Caloric restriction refers to reducing calorie intake without necessarily eliminating food altogether, and it does not imply fasting.