THERESA: What do you eat before you work out, or do you prefer to exercise on an empty stomatch? This just in from Bally's:

"If you exercise first thing in the morning, it may be a good idea to eat both before and after your workout.

Some experts believe that exercising on an empty stomach can compromise the quality of your workout. To help boost your early-morning activity, eat a "mini-meal" providing 25 grams or more of carbohydrates: a banana, a bagel, or bowl of oatmeal, for instance. The carbs will provide the quick burst of energy you need. It’s best to eat 20 to 30 minutes before exercising vigorously.

Then, within an hour after your workout, eat a breakfast that combines both protein and carbohydrates - such as eggs and toast, yogurt and fresh fruit, or soy milk and cereal - to help sustain your energy level throughout the morning."

I do feel better if I eat before a workout, and can sometimes feel pretty worn out if I haven't. What are your favorite pre-workout foods?

YVONNE W: I usually eat something light before I workout. According to Bally's I'm eating the correct foods, just not in the right order. I eat yogurt before I go to the gym. I eat oatmeal, bananas or cereal, etc. when I return. I'm gong to change that behavior.

JILL: I'm obsessive about bananas. I eat one every morning and if I happen to be out, I feel queasy and lightheaded -- which is entirely psychosomatic. I always have one before I exercise. And I've recently been having an egg sandwich on whole wheat afterwards, if I feel wiped out. It helps.

LAURIE: It depends what I'm going to do. If it's something more cardiovascular, I like to eat a real meal - though not a large one, of course - an hour or so before. I have no idea if that is good or bad for me in terms of energy, calorie-burning, etc. (Kimberly, thoughts?) But if I'm doing yoga, sometimes I have a little fruit about an hour before, but that's all. Yoga is definitely best on an empty stomach. So's salsa dancing, even though it's extremely aerobic. What happens then, often, is when I'm done, I'm famished, and I find myself having a "bad" snack - cake, ice cream, etc. - at 2 a.m. when I get home.

DIANE: I always encourage my clients to eat a small meal 30 - 45 minutes before a session. It seems that carbohydrates before a workout give efficient energy Carbs are quick fuel that will burn if utilized quickly without the interruption to the digestive process that proteins and fats cause. After a workout, refuel with carb and lean protein combination within a 30 minute period. That will ensure that the protein goes to the muscles that need the replenishment. The carbs will help break down the protein.

LAURIE: Thanks, Diane! That is very helpful.

KIMBERLY: Absolutely. I highly recommend eating a "mini meal" prior to working out. One of my favorites is Uncle Sam's Flax seed cereal. A half a cup of Uncle Sam's and some vanilla soy hit the spot. After my workout fruit and yogurt or maybe a granny smith apple with peanut butter.

Food is fuel for the body. Don't start the exercise journey without proper fuel.