One thing the papers show is there is a natural rhythm of hormones and metabolism, which is adaptable to some extent, and you just need to listen to your body. But if you are addicted to sugar / excessive carbs, and don't exercise, then playing around with meal times is just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Your body signals are malfunctioning.
Personally I have found a moderate size lunch and larger dinner, with a snack or two before or after dinner, is just perfect. Most people don't need three full meals a day. With moderate carbs I never go into a food coma. Worst is eating a large breakfast which makes you feel tired just when you are starting the day and trying to be productive.
If you have trained your body to burn fat (moderate or low carb diet) then you will be running on fat reserves efficiently through the day until the first meal.
Yeah, I agree with your assessment here. The statement "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" is a bit hyperbolic given all of the nuances introduced. But, still, at the end of the day, clinical recommendations have to be made; and physicians have to talk to patients in a very straightforward and un-nuanced manner. I still think the adage, breakfast being the most important meal of the day, can ring true for most people; as placeholder advice to "try to eat more earlier". The statements are not synonymous as you've pointed out; but my goal was to plant a flag because I think most people throw the baby out with the bathwater when they decide to skip breakfast (i.e they tend to consume too many calories too late).
Personally I have found a moderate size lunch and larger dinner, with a snack or two before or after dinner, is just perfect. Most people don't need three full meals a day. With moderate carbs I never go into a food coma. Worst is eating a large breakfast which makes you feel tired just when you are starting the day and trying to be productive.
If you have trained your body to burn fat (moderate or low carb diet) then you will be running on fat reserves efficiently through the day until the first meal.