If you were still living in an era where one's daily bread depended on intense physical labor, and food was often scarce, this piece of advice would undoubtedly be the most meaningful one, helping you to plan your three meals a day wisely. After all, when you're starving, lying in bed is always better than going to work. The proverb, "Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper," has resonated with people for so long simply because it has stood the test of time in real-life experience. If anyone doubts this and insists on eating a large dinner every night, they will find that even if they have plenty of food, a full stomach will certainly lead to a poor night's sleep. However, not all culinary cultures share this view. And proving this is not difficult; the best example is right under our noses: our neighbors, the French, typically have just a small bowl of café au lait and a small piece of baguette for breakfast. Then, at dinner, they enjoy a lavish feast, often very late, with the "grand banquet" only just beginning. Moreover, it's not just the French; many other nations also arrange their most substantial meal of the day in the evening. During the Islamic month of Ramadan, the evening meal is even linked to religious piety: for an entire month, they can only eat and drink after nightfall. Influenced by this culture, local nutritionists believe that "eating after nightfall" is "healthy for you."
In today's Western industrial societies, the benefits of a lavish, exquisite breakfast are no longer what they once were. Because the intensity of labor has changed, eating habits must adjust accordingly. Breakfast is no longer the extravagant affair of a king's morning meal; many are content with just a cup of coffee. They would rather enjoy a fine meal with friends and family in the evening than pitifully go to bed on an empty stomach like a pauper of the past. Furthermore, bright, beautiful lighting can extend people's "wakeful state" deep into the night, and many are even willing to engage in mental work during the quiet hours of the night. Therefore, it's not just that dinner should be bigger; it's probably necessary to have a late-night snack as well.