Check this out,
I eat nachos with cheese for dinner after working out. I wake up very, very sore and have no desire to do morning cardio.
or,
I eat nachos with cheese for dinner after working out. I also have a protein shake or two. I won't wake up as sore because the protein will be assisting my muscles in post-workout recovery.
Maybe it won't do as much if you have chicken breast or steak for dinner, but protein does help someone's body on several levels.