ikr, but its not as hard as it sounds. the period is 40 days long, but the fasting is usually only at the beginning and the end, and its not even real fasting, its usually just having one full meal on those days and two small snacks.
the abstinence from meat is just on Fridays, but fish is not considered meat for these purposes.
the other things during the forty days are an extra focus on prayers, penance, and giving alms!