How soon after gym should I eat?

I have a protein shot in the parking lot of the gym before I even leave.

My trainer is 35-45 minutes from home, depending on traffic. If I could eat sooner, I would, but I usually end up stopping at a gas station for chocolate milk, my favorite post-workout snack. If your system can handle the food, I say go for it

The earlier the better, most recommend having something with protein and carbs within half an hour of finishing your workout.

I keep a protein bar in my back pack. I eat about 30 minutes after my workout (I shower at the gym) as I'm leaving the gym.

my trainer tells me to eat straight after but no later than half an hour after my workout. and to eat protein based foods to repair my muscles

There's a critical nutrition window that begins immediately following exercise and lasts between 40-60 mins post training where you need to supplement with protein. That being said, a protein bar is not the best way to go. These bars are typically loaded with unnecessary carbs and calories that you simply do not need unless you're trying to gain mass. A whey protein shake with 20-24 grams of protein per scoop gets my vote. Whey is a fast digesting protein that goes right to the muscles to start recovery. Follow that with a high protein meal and take a slow digesting protein before bed. This will help you to rebuild muscle and continue to burn fat all through the night when your body would typically slow down.

Here is my typical workout nutrition:
1-2 Hours pre workout - 24 grams protein (from Whey shake) with clean carb source (rolled oats, shredded wheat, brown rice)
30 Mins pre workout - 1 Scoop Cellucor NO Zero (when cutting in spring/summer) or 1 Scoop Cellucor C4 Extreme (when bulking in fall/winter)
Intraworkout (during exercise) - 2 Scoops USP Labs Modern BCAA mixed into 1 Gal water
Immediately Post Workout - 24-48 grams protein (whey shake) depending on intensity of workout
1.5-2 hrs post workout - High protein meal with clean carb source (chicken/tuna and brown rice)
Before bed - 20 grams casien (slow digesting) protein shake or fat free cottage cheese

Interesting article here http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_nutrition/the_top_10_post_workout_nutrition_myths

Ten Take Home Points

—glycogen restoration is all too easy to achieve and may not be as critical as once thought

—protein synthesis needs to be the focus of our recovery intervention

—pre-workout meals actually enhance muscle blood flow and nutrient delivery during exercise

—pre-workout meals, nocturnal feeding, and multiple post workout drinks are more beneficial than a single post workout drink

—the "post workout window" lasts at least 24 hours

—consuming a protein shake immediately after training hinders optimal results

—strength training acutely enhances insulin sensitivity for at least 24 hours

—whey protein is generally only moderate speed, while whey hydrolysate and pure amino acids are "fast"

—antioxidants taken after exercise may increase muscle damage and delay recovery

—aspirin and ibuprofen can prevent the exercise-induced elevation in muscle protein synthesis thus hindering growth and prolonging recovery

I personally consume a portion of protein/carb drink pre workout and the rest after. I used to think it had to be straight away but now I'm not too fussed if I have to wait a bit. I don't really buy into the whole multiple drinks to spike aminos thing though. I will have one drink (as it should be digested quicker than a solid meal) and then a large meal afterwards. Generally these are protein and carbs with minimal fat.

I wondered this too, because I can't usually eat a few hours before a good work out & sometimes not directly after, but...this is what I found the other day.

A good workout drink is the perfect thing!

http://www.shape.com/weight-loss/diet-strategies/ask-the-diet-doctor-the-best-post-workout-snack

I ate a protein bar for the first time in a long time yesterday. (forgot my arvo snack :P) It was 170cals, 20gP, 6gC & 6gF. I was hungry nearly immediately after. For similar cals, I could have had a decent amount of cottage cheese and pb (which I love) and would keep me fuller for much longer.

starchy carbs are fine post workout. I like the "If it fits in your macros" rule with PWO