Fitness & Nutrition articles
Blog posts, articles and recipes from PT and author Tracy Griffen. She is a prolific writer - a regular columnist for the Scotsman newspaper, Bite magazine, Leither magazine and Trinity and Stockbridge Spotlight magazines. Tracy has written for Women’s Running, Fitnorama, PT Today and Ultra-Fit magazines, and is the author of two books: Healthy Living Yearbook and Get Fit & Enjoy It: Learn Effective Exercise from Home.
She has appeared on the BBC Scotland Radio Kaye Adams show, and even taught host Kaye how to do a press-up, live on radio!
An honest review of Huel
I’ve been asked a lot for my opinion on Huel.
On their website it’s described as “Fast, nutritious, complete food. Designed by expert nutritionists as a convenient way to get all the daily nutrients you need”.
But is it?
Pea shoots pesto recipe
Pea shoots are a nutrient-rich superfood. They are full of Vitamins A, B6, C, E and K. They're a low-calorie source of beta carotene, folate, fibre, riboflavin and thiamine. A perfect food to keep you healthy over winter.
Here’s my recipe for a simple pesto sauce that makes quick weeknight pasta sauce.
Chestnuts are the best nuts
Here’s all the information you need about our favourite nuts, the chestnut.
So easy to prepare, this winter treat is also very good for you. Enjoy!
Health Benefits of Microgreens
We all know we need to eat more vegetables, but eating fresh in Scotland over winter can be… uninspiring. Roast vegetables and soup are great, but it’s important to have something fresh and crispy. Something green that’s not supermarket salad. Try microgreens.
Stir-fry Savoury Crumble with Miso Mushrooms recipe
Early October, Tracy competed for the third and final time at the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship in the Highlands of Scotland.
Here's her Speciality oaty recipe, wok optional.
The Leither Magazine column
Tracy has been a regular columnist for her local magazine, The Leither Magazine, for 15 years. That’s around 150 articles!
Here’s a selection of favourites...
Pan-fried Flapjack recipe
This is an adaption of my favourite on-the-go snack for the Golden Spurtle World Porridge making championship, where a Specialty recipe has to be cooked on a hob (no oven).
Ultra-Processed People book review
You are what you eat. So we must be Ultra-Processed People!
What exactly is Ultra-Processed Food? And why does it matter? Tracy reviews this recent research.
Easy Peasy Pea and Pearl Barley Risotto Recipe
This is such a delicious simple and cheap winter dish. The cooking time is just under an hour and it needs minimal attention. You can get in from work, pop it on the hob and get changed out of your work clothes as the pearl barley is cooking. Easy.
'Be the Change’ Scotsman newspaper article
For my annual motivational New year’s article for the Scotsman newspaper, I collaborated with Lynn from Lynbreck Croft. Read it to be inspired!
Feel Fabulous over the Festive Season
It’s nearly Christmas, and it seems the festive season gets longer and longer each year.
Here’s some easy healthy hacks for dark days and long nights.
Dried Apple Rings Recipe
If you have leftover apples in your fruit bowl, try this super simple recipe to make your own dried apple.
They’re perfect for snacking on an outdoor adventure, if you’re looking for something sweet to nibble on. And they’re so good for you. Enjoy!
October 2023 newsletter
Our October newsletter including a studio update (and sessions from East Lothian), how to watch the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship and a fabulous flapjacks recipe…
Introducing ‘Pure Leith’ Mint Tea
Drinking mint tea is a brilliant way to hydrate and has a number of potential health benefits. We grow and produce our own mint for the studio, soon available from our shop.
Read on to learn all about Pure Leith mint tea…
Kale Crisps recipe
This super easy recipe transforms kale into a delicious cheesy snack. No word of a lie! Kale crisps are definitely my favourite way to eat this leafy green. Try it, and you’ll love it…
Nettle Soup Recipe
Get foraging! Stinging nettles can be found growing wild and are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals improving immunity, and can be described as “Nature’s Multivitamin”.
It’s our 18th birthday!
Griffen Fitness turning 18 this month, and we also have the long-awaited trams running up and down Leith Walk. Here’s a blog post of what we’ve been up to since 2005.
Healthy Hints for Busy Working Days
Having a desk-based job needn’t be a barrier to being fit. Here are seven handy hints to make your working day more healthy, and hopefully also more enjoyable!
Top tips for Dry January
Top tips to win at Dry January.
It needn’t be a drag, so here’s Tracy’s advice on the easy way to not drink booze.
Kickstart Your Fitness in the New Year
Happy New Year!
If you’re looking for a realistic plan to start 2023, look no further. Here’s a simple 10 step plan for you to get prepared for the year ahead, whatever it may bring…
Buy the book(s)
A published author, Tracy Griffen’s books are available from selected independent Edinburgh bookshops, or buy online from our shop.