Typical American eating patterns are to eat the biggest meal in the evening, a meal that typically is high in fat and carbohydrates. That kind of dinner, especially if you eat late, is slow to digest and very fattening. If you allow less than two hours between eating and going to bed, you risk indigestion as well. My preference is to eat the biggest meal in the middle of the day and a smaller meal in the evening. That's the pattern in many European countries.
Some people do better on small amounts of food more frequently.
It's seems to be a trend that's catching on because it keeps your stomach feeling full, stimulates your metabolism and helps burn calories during the digestive process. Eating low-fat meals and snacks five or six times a day works especially well for people with digestive problems. And what better way to get your recommended five or more servings of fruit and vegetables. Never skip breakfast, and combine protein and carbohydrates during the midday meal to avoid fatigue in the afternoon. Other nutritionists suggest waiting no longer than five hours between meals.