First thing is that during your exercise routine you should be getting hot and sweaty! Exercise needs to involves intensity, that means either short, all-out bursts of movement or challenging weight resistance to stimulate growth hormone, build muscle, better handle sugar and stress, burn fat, and boost your metabolism. You need energy, for vigorous exercise. When you think energy you probably think food, but you also have some energy stored in your muscles as glycogen. That's one reason you may or may not require
pre-workout food. I suggest that you listen to your body.
Some people can work out well in the morning on an empty stomach. They go into the gym and maintain steady energy throughout their grueling workout. I do better with a protein and carb mini-meal half a protein shake.
If working out on an empty stomach in the morning leaves you with no energy, have a protein shake or mini-meal. If you work out later in the day, I recommend working out two to three hours after a meal or one hour after a smaller snack.
You don't want to eat a big meal or a high-fat snack before you workout. Give your body enough time to digest food, so it can fuel your muscles while you work out. A cup of organic coffee makes a good morning pre-workout fuel, especially if you're working out on an empty stomach. Just don't use caffeine as a crutch for poor sleep.
Intense exercise burns more sugar during exercise, and more fat and calories. Rigorous exercise require more post-workout recovery.
You want to eat correctly. This is critical for your next workout, how you refuel after this workout will determine available energy for your next workout. Then, your post-workout fuel protein and carbs will mimic what you had before your workout. You should avoid fructose, that will prevent post exercise fat burning.
Post workout meal should be a plant-based (but not soy) protein powder mixed with low sugar fruit (berries or cherries are perfect) and unsweetened coconut milk. If you have a post-workout meal, combine clean lean protein, slow-release high-fiber carbs, and healthy fats.
Definitely eat after. You will be more mindful of what you put into your body plus you're going to need protein after your workout to help your body recover. But maybe eat something light before hand just so you don't pass out during or over eat after. Hope this helps