I used to ride 50km to work and 50km back two or three times a week. It took me a few months to realise that I didn't need to eat more before, during or after. Just eat proper food at meal times, and make sure you don't skip in favour of sugary snacks.
Likewise. I can do this 3 times a week. water in a bottle on the way in, 2 scrambled eggs on toast, decent lunch, squash on the way home, just because i like squash and dinner when I get there.
I don't hang around either. The only time I use a gel or recovery thing is either a long ride, for me 50 mile or more, or something like the Velothon where I am trying to get a good time. not racing, just trying to be as fast as I can.