Answer:
The influence of America´s customs, including culinary, on the world, is hard to ignore. One such regions that has been vastly influenced by the way that food is cooked, and dinners are carried out, in the U.S, are the countries of Latin America, which are the main Spanish-speaking countries. Both differences and similarities, however, can be seen.
First, we have the differences. While in the United States times for dinner may be stationary, in Latin America, this is not the case, as some people prefer to not eat dinner, especially in the afternoon, or they may eat at a much later time. Thus, while in the U.S it is customary for the dinnertime meal to be around 5, or 6 at the latest, in Latin America this tradition may go into the night as late as 8, or 9 at night. Another difference, is the balance of foods within a plate. In America, it is customary for plates to be bigger and more packed with food, while in Latin America people tend to eat in courses, with a bit less food. Another thing is that in Latin America, the use of beans is pretty customary, while in the U.S it depends on the type of food being consumed.
However, there are more similarities now than there are differences. Both types of cuisine favor the use of meat products, and dairy. Another similarity is the overwhelming presence of carbohidrates in the food. Both have the tradition of meal times being family times, carried out so that families can get together, at least once a day. Finally, it is undeniable that, given influence, both dietary regimens have become accustomed largely to fast foods, and eating out of scheduled times, because of the demands of life.
As it can be seen, there are many differences, but mostly similarities between the eating systems of Spanish-speaking countries, and the U.S. These mentioned above, are only a few.
