I find that if I drink a recovery drink as soon as I get home from a hard ride, I can either lessen or completely avoid being sore the next day. Not so if I just have a banana or don't eat at all. By the same token, I like to pack an energy bar on the bike when I'm on tour, and I eat it as soon as I get to camp, before I get my baggage from the truck. Whether I'm hungry or not. I know it'll always help make the next day better.