I used to get sore ears and airsick as a commercial pax an my first few flights but soon got used to it and it hasn't happened for years.
Same is true of doing a PPL in a light aircraft - haven't felt sick for ages - my first experiences with 'steep turns' - also in the heat of Arizona as it happens, was the only time. One thing I would say though, as you suggest, never fly on an empty stomach. If you're worried before flying, try somthing light like a couple of slices of toast - works for me. Avoid rich foods for quite a while before flying - a curry, even 12 or 18 hours before flying can be a bad idea.