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Rebecca,
The law of fast and abstinence is a discipline imposed by the Church's authority to "bind and loose" (see Matthew 16:19, Matthew 18:18). Thus it can change over time with circumstances; it is not a matter of eternal divine law (although it is related to such as obeying the Church is a matter of divine law).
The laws of abstinence have varied throughout history, and recent history is no exception.
For example, eggs and dairy products also used to be prohibited during Lent, hence "Fat Tuesday" (Mardi Gras) and "Pancake Suppers" as a way of using up forbidden animal products before Lent.
That changed early in the 20th century. Later in the 20th century, with the Apostolic Constitution "Paenitemini" issued by Pope Paul VI in 1966. It said:
Therefore, the Church, while preserving—where it can be more readily observed—the custom (observed for many centuries with canonical norms) of practicing penitence also through abstinence from meat and fasting, intends to ratify with its prescriptions other forms of penitence as well, provided that it seems opportune to episcopal conferences to replace the observance of fast and abstinence with exercises of prayer and works of charity.
Paenitemini by Pope Paul VI (Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1966) |
So, the motivation was to encourage people to do less abstinence from meat and more prayer and works of charity.
The following table will give you an idea of the diversity of fasting disciplines for Lent throughout history.
Hope this helps!
Eric
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