I’ve been producing content for Happy Healthy Mama for nearly seven (!) years now. It’s hard to believe I’ve stuck with it this long. Did you know that average lifespan of a blog is under 4 months? I’ve been creating recipes, taking pictures, and writing about it for seven years.

You need a lot of sticktoitiveness to hang in there through the lonely days when you feel like nobody is reading (and they probably aren’t).  This blog baby has grown into something that gives me an awesome outlet to be creative and share my passion for healthy living. I love this work with all my heart. Without you, readers, I would not still be here. You complete me. (I know! So cheesy!)

It’s true. I do this for you. Seeing the numbers and that people are, indeed, reading what I’m putting out there, fuels my motivation to continue. So thank you. Thank you for being here and reading/looking at/engaging with what I’m creating. Here’s what you loved the most this year.

Most Popular in 2016

These are the posts that were most visited in 2016, no matter what year they were published. Often older posts top the list because they’ve had more time to gain traction on Pinterest, get linked to from other websites and gain credibility with Google, and get shared more on all social media. Scroll down if you want to see what posts published in 2016 were most popular. Here’s a look at what was popular from all posts on Happy Healthy Mama in 2016!

#10 Pumpkin Muffin Oatmeal Cups (2015)

Down from #9 in 2015.

This is a recipe that I published in 2015 and took off again this fall. That often happens with seasonal recipes. This one definitely deserves to be in the top 10 as it’s fantastic. It doesn’t have to be fall to make these; please break out a can of pumpkin and try this one if you haven’t!

#9 5 Simple Steps to Transition to a Paperless Kitchen (2015)

Down from #3 in 2015.

This is the only non-recipe post to make it into the top 10, but I can see why. It’s an interesting post that is very useful for anyone interested in ditching paper towels and paper products in the kitchen. These tips really work as we’ve been paperless in our kitchen for almost two years now.

#8 Golden Milk Turmeric Tea (2015)

Did not make the list in 2015.

This was a late 2015 recipe and it did very well in 2016. It makes me really happy when one of my favorites does well, and this recipe is soooo delicious and healthful, I’m glad so many people like it, too.

#7 Baked Banana Oatmeal (2011)

Did not make the list in 2015.

This is a great recipe that saw zero traffic until I redid the photographs this year. Once I redid the photos, it became an instant success. It made me happy and sad at the same time. Happy because more people were seeing a great recipe. Sad because I know I have so many terrific recipes that don’t get seen because of their photos. The lesson for bloggers is this: photography matters. If you have fantastic recipes, it doesn’t matter unless you have excellent photos. Work on your photography if you want to grow your blog.

#6 30 Healthy Dinners You Can Make in 30 Minutes (2015)

Down from #4 in 2015.

Useful posts do well, and this post is massively useful for busy families who want to be healthy. Do you like round-up posts?

#5 High Protein Energy Balls (2011)

Up from #10 in 2015.

I will say it: the photographs for this post are terrible. Two years ago, however, I used them to create this Pinterest image and it’s driven a lot of traffic ever since. The recipe is solid and one that my regular readers tell me is a staple in their home just like it is in our home. I know this recipe by heart and it’s one the kids make with me all the time.

#4 Avocado Tuna Salad  (2016)

Created in 2016, so not on the list in 2015.

I remember being unhappy with how these photographs turned out, so I was pleasantly surprised when this recipe took off. This is definitely a staple recipe for me that I make often for lunch. The message here is that people love a good staple recipe using simple, healthy ingredients.

 

#3 Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups (2012)

Was also #3 in 2015.

I’ve made many variations on these oatmeal cups, but these continue to be the most popular. Pinterest is a big part of that, as this recipe has been repinned over 230,000 times! These are the original photos and it just keeps going strong. I can see why these are popular because it’s such a quick and easy recipe, made in one bowl, and there’s no added sugar. These are perfect for toddlers, kids, and adults.

#2 2-ingredient Sweet Potato Pancakes (2013)

Was also #2 in 2015.

These little 2-ingredient pancakes I originally created when Luke was a baby continue to be wildly popular. They have over 203K repins on Pinterest and consistently bring in almost 25,000 pageviews each month. They are simple and unique and I’m sure that’s why they are so loved.

 

#1 The Anti-Bloat Smoothie (2015)

Up from #6 in 2015.

When I created this smoothie, I never thought it would be as popular as it is. It was popular when I created it in 2015, and it went viral in 2016. With over 203K pins, Pinterest loved this smoothie. I make it often and love it, so I’m glad it’s resonated with so many people.

Reflections

I think the list of what was popular in 2016 is a great representation of what Happy Healthy Mama is all about. My focus is on easy recipes with accessible ingredients that can help busy families be their healthiest. I found it interesting that my #1 post from 2014 and 2015 dropped to #11 this year. My 5-ingredient blender muffins are still popular and get a lot of traffic, but other posts gained enough to bump them out of the top 10. This is my list from 2015 if you’d like to see it. 

I would also like to share what posts from 2016 exclusively were the most popular in 2016. These are the posts published in 2016 that were popular in 2016:

#10

Healthy Fruit Dip–4 Ways

#9

DIY Body Spray with Essential Oils

#8

Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Cups

#7 

How to Sweeten Your Coffee without Sugar

#6

Buffalo Chickpea Salad Sandwich

#5

Coconut Apricot Energy Balls

#4

Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip

#3 

Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger

#2

Husband Protein Smoothie 

#1

Avocado Tuna Salad 

Reader Feedback

I would love to hear if your favorite recipe made the list. How many of these recipes have you tried?

More than anything, I would love to hear what you want to see more of (or less of!) on Happy Healthy Mama in 2017. If you have a moment, please leave a comment and let me know!