Answer: Fitness has countless variables and any number of ways to achieve positive results.

I know of many people who wake up at 5 a.m., eat a large breakfast and are performing tough workouts by 6 or 6:30 a.m. There are others who can't handle working out with a full belly and opt for a protein shake or energy bar 30-60 minutes before their workout and then eat a larger meal an hour or two after.

There are some folks who don't eat anything before they do morning cardio workouts so that they can burn off excess fat. This stems from the body having low blood sugar/carbohydrate stores in the morning. When you exercise at proper intensities in the morning without eating, the body is forced to use fat as an energy source in the absence of carbohydrates. This doesn't work for everybody.

I tell people to think about what to eat in terms of the type and intensity of their workout. If the workout is moderate or light intensity, you don't need to load up on a lot of food but rather eat a small, easily digestible meal such as a quality energy bar or protein/energy shake before each workout. After the workout, your body will be in need of replenishing nutrients for recovery, and you can then have a larger, whole-food meal.

If your workout is long or of high intensity, you may want to have a moderate whole-food meal or larger protein/energy shake or bar for sustained energy and muscular/cardiovascular endurance before and after each session.

The best way to ensure your success is to try different strategies each week or month and determine what is best for you.

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Contact personal trainer Dave Patania by e-mail: davpatania@aol.com