I think part of the issue I'm having is that its only a 20 mile ride, so I don't feel like I get a pass on calories the same way I do after a 50 or 70 mile ride. I don't think I'm under-nourished - my default state of living is always eating a little more than I should ;-) - but having a dedicated recovery drink after feels like overkill to me.

I did have some Gatorade on the ride and ate a banana and granola bar before.