I recently began taking a kickboxing class and don't know whether it is better to eat before or after I exercise. Which is best?

My trainer says the answer is....both! She recommends eating 1 hour before exercise to make sure we have enough energy on board for a high intensity workout. It doesn't need to be a lot - I like a mini bagel with a smear of peanut butter. Then she recommends eating within 30 minutes after a workout to replenish the muscle stores of glycogen (carbohydrate). I always try to schedule my meals and snacks around the workouts. For example, I had a mini bagel and peanut butter this morning for breakfast, then I'm going for a run. After the run I'll eat a morning snack of yogurt and fruit. It just takes a bit of planning.