I tend to agree with the excessive intake consensus.
I used to eat a load of carbs half an hour before my workout to give me energy, but found it did the opposite. I would get in the gym and have no energy and my motivation would be ruined because of it. Now I load up no sooner than 2 hours beforehand and find I have a lot more energy in the gym. Either that or I graze during the 3 hours leading up to my workout. Doesn't really help you though.