Anita Bean BSc RNutr, a registered nutritionist specialising in sports nutrition, said: “Excessive protein consumption is unnecessary, and won’t produce faster or greater muscle gains.

"A couple of eggs after a work-out provide all the protein required for muscle recovery without the need for expensive specialist powders and shakes, and they are also 100 per cent natural.”

While protein bars and shakes are marketed as a convenient and quick fix for getting a good body as well as refuelling after exercise, they are usually more expensive than ‘real’ food.

There are concerns that the public are paying the premium unnecessarily, as eggs are one of the highest quality protein foods they can buy.

Eggs are an inexpensive source of protein compared to protein powders and shakes, as well as being cheaper than other protein alternatives such as chicken breasts and fish fillets and rich in vitamins and minerals.

Sports nutritionists advise that 15 to 25g protein is considered the optimal amount for aiding recovery after exercise, and this can be found in simple dishes like omelettes and scrambled eggs.

Eating protein along with carbohydrate after finishing an exercise session improves muscle recovery and increases the efficiency of muscle glycogen storage.

In addition, research suggests eating eggs can help with weight control as they help to keep you feeling fuller for longer.