Oh! It's like a reunion! Welcome, Hype, it's so freakin' fabulous to get a post from you, and you look fantastic! By the way, your girlfriend looks great too - she had a lot of success with that cookie diet, eh? She looks like she lost a lot of weight as well - you guys are one hot couple!
I, too, have gotten very very into exercise, and while I certainly do regular strength training (lifting weights, etc.), my exercise is usually more cardio intensive (running and elliptical). Anyway, the post-workout eating thing is TOTALLY stressful, I agree! It's like, trying to figure out what will provide enough calories and fuel to help repair your muscles and keep you in good form for the rest of the day and your next workout, but NOT eating too many calories to either hurt the diet, or make the workout "not count." I have found that when I do more high-calorie burning cardio work (like my long runs), I have to do higher carb foods post-run, so I'll a sweet potato, and maybe a few spoonfuls of greek yogurt for a protein kick. If I do a heavy strength/weight-training thing, it needs to be more protein for cell/tissue repair, so I'll do egg whites or peanut butter or beans. The key is portion control, because I am ready to eat a house when I am done working out! :-)
You may benefit from planning (and making) the meal before you exercise, so that's all you will eat when you are done. Just a thought.
Let me know if you need any support - I usually check the forum fairly regularly, but don't get as much time to post. But if you post in the MAINTENANCE section, that's our world, Hype, so hang out there a bit!
Yay, so psyched to see you...
Lauren