Possible Clues:

• Had nothing
• Abstained from food as in penance
• Quickly the editor refused everything as a matter of course
• Observed Ramadan, say
• Having abstained, was fed around Sat
• Abstained from food for a period
• Took nothing in
• Followed a Lenten routine
• Dissolute editor stopped indulging completely
• Ate sandwiches a good person went without