Hello! I'm Dannii and I run Hungry Healthy Happy with my husband Dave and our two chief taste testers, Avery and Ziggy.
I started the blog in 2011 as a place to share healthy recipes that weren’t boring or restrictive and how to sneak a few extra vegetables in to your diet and then Dave joined full-time in 2016. We wanted to show that healthy is all about balance, which is why you will find so much more than healthy recipes here. HHH (for short) is all about making healthy meals exciting, and enjoying all the other things too.
I didn't grow up helping out in the kitchen and you won't find hundreds of recipes past down through my family here. I learnt to cook as a poor student and that culinary education continued as our family grew and we had two children. I taught myself to cook delicious, and healthy recipes using ingredients you could find in your supermarket, and that is what you will still find here today.
We share healthy family friendly recipes, from comfort food to light salads, veggie packed to delicious treats and a mixture of quick and easy recipes to those that require a bit more attention. We have a vast selection of vegetarian and vegan recipes and something to suit all dietary restrictions.
Why should you try Hungry Healthy Happy?
- We are ranked the number 1 food blog in the UK.
- We have had 2 books published, so we know how to develop a delicious recipe.
- Family friendly recipes with a healthy twist.
- Easy to navigate website with a helpful search bar.
- All recipes are triple tested and we never share anything that doesn't work perfectly.
- Hundreds of loved and rated by reader recipes to try.
- We provide UK and US measurements.
- We have a handy jump to recipe button if you just want to go straight to the recipe card.
- We take all your comments on board and change things if needed.
Since 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has turned in to a fantastic community of like minded people who see being healthy as far more than a restrictive diet and are thinking more about their mental health and what makes them happy, which is why HHH is more than just food.
We have a social media following of over 150,000 and we have been ranked the Number 1 Food Blog in the UK for 3 years in a row. HHH is the place to go for quick and easy healthy recipes that are not restrictive (you will still see cheese, butter, ice cream and all the good stuff here – everything in moderation).
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In 2015, the Hungry Healthy Happy book was published and is available online and in all good bookstores. Having a book published was a dream come true and is just one of the many wonderful things that has come from blogging. It contains 100 recipes for healthier alternatives of traditional unhealthy foods.
In 2018 our second book, The Healthy Slow Cooker, was published. It contains 100 healthy slow cooker recipes that the whole family will love. We wanted to show just how helpful a slow cooker can be when it comes to saving time, which is what a lot of people says holds them back from eating healthier meals.
The book also includes healthy options of some popular 'comfort' dishes, together with tips for choosing your slow cooker and how to get the most out of it.
Dannii
I am the one the comes up with all the ideas for the recipes and I like to think that I am in charge in the Hungry Healthy Happy kitchen. I like to call it controlled chaos when I am experimenting and coming up with my latest creations. I am avocado and feta cheese obsessed and along with dark chocolate, they would be the 3 things she would take to a desert island with me. Oh, and her iPhone, she is Instagram obsessed too! Love me an IG story.
I lost 100lbs (7st) a few years ago as a result of a total lifestyle change because of a health scare, a move to focusing on more fresh (and green) food, finding creative ways to lighten up her favourite unhealthy meals and finding workouts that I enjoyed (or hated less). That is kind of how the blog started.
HHH isn’t a weight loss blog though. My goal has always been to be in a place where I am happy and healthy, not a number on the scale. I never wanted to give up the foods I loved, and I didn't. I just found a way to make them a little bit healthier.
I haven't always been interested in cooking and until a few years ago my culinary expertise extended as far as opening and closing the microwave, but with a lot of trial and error (mostly error in the beginning), I like to think that I have come up with hundreds of delicious recipes that our readers love and they keep on coming back for more.
In 2011, as a recently graduated mature student with a degree in Criminology (not sure what I was planning to do with that), I did the usual graduate thing of working in call centres and contemplating what to do with my life, so I set up this blog, although a very basic one with shockingly bad photos, and never thought my new hobby would turn in to a full-time job and career a few years down the line.
I am the main recipe developer, photographer, editor, writer and crazy cat lady in the HHH office and I juggle that with chasing two very energetic kids around. I also freelance as a recipe developer for magazines and brand websites and occasionally has time for the odd nap too.
Dannii gives more information and answers to many questions in the FAQ section.
Dave
Dave has a fantastic beard - we think it is the source of all his power. Dave comes from a long career in the construction industry, but gave it up just before Avery was born as the blog took off and we wanted to create a lifestyle that gave us lots of freedom as a family.
Dave does all the technical behind the scenes stuff on the blog that I don't understand, and don't particularly want to understand. This allows me to get creative in the kitchen and behind the camera, whilst Dave deals with charts, graphs, editing and all the geeky things he loes.
As well as a wonderful beard, doing all the tech and building awesome garden creations and DIY projects, he also makes some pretty delicious cakes. If there is a dessert posted on the blog, then there is a strong chance that he has made it. I am not much of a baker.
Dave loves a good roast dinner, homemade takeaways and anything with chocolate. Give him a giant stacked burger followed by a chocolate brownie and he is happy. I just try to encourage him to have a side of vegetables with it.
Avery and Ziggy
Our children are our chief taste testers, and whilst they don't love everything we make, there is about a 98% success rate. We are bringing them up to help us grow and pick ingredients, to help out in the kitchen and give everything on their plate a try. We believe that getting kids involved in the process means they are much more likely to try new foods.
Avery is a total foodie and loves anything with a strong flavour - smoked salmon, brie, olives and curry are some of her favourites. She isn't in to things like chicken nuggets and pizza, and prefers to eat what we eat.
Ziggy on the other hand, we call him our little veg dodger. He was weaned the exact same way as Avery, but is far more "selective" of what he will eat. I wouldn't call him fussy, as he is only 18 months old, but if he sees something colourful, then chances are it is being thrown off the plate. Which is why you will see lots of recipes (or suggestions for adaptions) with hidden vegetables.
Now you have met the team, if you would like to work with us, have your products featured on the blog or just want a chat, then take a look at the Work With Us page to see what we can offer you! If you have a question or feedback about the blog, send us a message through our Contact Page.
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*Disclaimer*
I am not a doctor, personal trainer, registered dietitian or any kind of health professional. I simply post what has worked for me and what continues to work for me and this should be used as a general guide to improving your health and fitness. It will not work for everyone and you should always consult your doctor first so you don’t cause yourself any harm.
© All content is copyrighted to Danielle Martin at Hungry Healthy Happy
Please have a read of my Privacy Policy.
Emily
I just thought you should know that someone stole your identity on Instagram. It's under the name @renyclay. He or she is harassing people using your photo, calling people disgusting, etc. you might want to report it yourself, numerous people have tried to get this person reported..
Sandy
Hi,
Typing to confirm Emily's comment below. An individual has taken a couple of your pictures and used them on an Instagram account where various people are being bullied and harrassed continuously and viciously. You may wish to seriously look into it.
@renyclay
Dannii
Thanks for letting me know about it - I really appreciate it
Dannii
Thank you for letting me know - I've reported them to Instagram
Ali
Hi Dannii,
You're blog is such an inspiration! I can't wait to explore all your healthy recipes! Keep up the awesome work! We'd love to have you check us out sometime over at InPSYCHful Living, where we feature a daily dose of tips related to mindful beauty, style, and living. Like you, my co-blogger and I love to focus on positivity, health, fitness, and overall well-being! :)
Dannii
Thanks so much Ali. Welcome to my blog :D
Eline
Hello Dannii, I’m really shocked by your process. It’s really wonderful how you changed, I have a lot of respect for that. The fact that you were a emotional eater is sad because it means that you have to deal with a lot of problems. I also like takeaway food like McDonalds or something because it’s delicious but very bad for your body. If I can read the calories on the package it makes me feel sad. I have no overweight but I don’t feel comfortable in my body so I want to live healthy. I will do fitness and swimming and other sports but every time when I sport, my body won’t. Because than I have an inflammation or a dislocation. My doctor said that I have to stop but I won’t. I want to train my abs before the summer is there. But my only option for now is that I have to rest. But I will follow you by now because it really inspired me what you did. Congrats!
Dannii
If you doctor has told you to slow down on your exercise, you really should listen to them. You don't want to push yourself too much and end up injuring yourself to the point where you can't workout again. I pushed myself too much with a knee injury and I am paying for it now.
Michelle
You are such an inspiration! I just stumbled across your blog and I love it :) I'm embarking on a weight loss journey and can only hope to be as successful as you!
Dannii
Thank you! Welcome to my blog :) If you need any advice, just ask :)
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen
You are an inspiration. Your story resonates with me so much and thank you so much for sharing!
This --> "The battle did not stop there. I have been maintaining since then (up and down a few lbs here and there) and I truly think that is the hardest part." I could not agree with more! After losing around 70 pounds over a year ago maintenance has been the hardest part of it all! Staying active, maintaining balance and eating nutritious meals all help but I still fluctuate throughout the month! Very happy I came across your website! Wish you all the best!
Dannii
So happy you found my website too! Congrats on losing 70lbs - keeping it off really is the hard part, isn't it.
theleanrunnerbean
Hi Dannii - just found your blog. What a transformation! Gives me motivation to do the same. Going to spending lots of time here reading and taking it all in :)
Kate.
Dannii
Thank you! And welcome to the blog :)
Jean Webster
What an inspiring and honest story. Well done and congratulations!
Dannii
Thank you :) Make sure you take a look around the whole blog for lots of info.
Marisa
Dannii- this is so inspiring! Congratulations on your success and I look forward to following your blog and seeing more of your posts : )
- Marisa
Dannii
Thank you :) Blogging full-time was never something that I planned, but I absolutely love it. Welcome to the blog :)
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Krissie
Wow...absolutely inspiring. You have opened yourself up and are sharing for each of us to take from your experiences that which may inspire us without at all imposing ideals on us that we may not agree with. We were not created to be one size fits all in the real world regardless of the ideals society and celebrity try to impose on us which leads to and fosters eating disorders and unhealthy body image. Only we, each one of us as individuals, can and should decide for ourselves what is healthy, what our own specific dietary needs may be with the advice of a trusted medical/clinical professional if necessary, and what defines for us what each personal success is that we achieve along our individual journeys. Job well done and congratulations. You have inspired me to stop putting so much value into the opinions of others and take back the power to make decisions for myself to move ahead in my journey in a way that does not burden me with guilt,
karen
Your website is amazing like i loge your recipes ! You are an inspiration I've lost 8 stone in 8 months you may see from twitter as we follow each other i can see a few people are very jealous at what you've done and they prob haven't lost the weight and are prob big people i don't feel guilty for saying that ny best friend got jealous and now ignores me because i wanted to get healthy like your self i don't see you as unhealthy your happy in your own skin keep up the website i love seeing your updates and also Karma is a great thing to the haters hehe much love from Scotland Karen x
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I really like it when individuals get together and share opinions.
Great website, stick with it!
Petra
hello!
I have nominated you for the following awards, The Liebster Award, Very Inspiring Blog Award, Best Moment Award, Sunshine Award & Versatile Blogger Award as I always find your blog a great read and inspiring!
http://petra08.wordpress.com/2013/11/30/awards-the-liebster-award-very-inspiring-blog-award-best-moment-award-sunshine-award-versatile-blogger-award/
Petra
Dannii
Thank you :)
Emma
Your before and after photos are amazing. You were beautiful before too, but you can see how much happier you are now. Please bring out a book!
Dannii
Thank you. Yes, I do feel so much happier now. I am working on a book to pitch to publishers :)
Rebecca
You are incredible Dannii. I want to be able to say I have done what you have done too. Just getting started is such a challenge.
Dannii
Thank you! Getting started really is one of the hardest parts.
Tracy Portal
Great to read someone's weight loss journey. It's really important to realise that it's a lifestyle change that's needed and to stay positive and motivated is key! As you say, if you fall off the wagon, you have to get back on! Thanks for sharing. Great website and blog!
Dannii
Thank you :) I hope you enjoy the blog.
Mary Falland
Just found you on instagram! 100% love your blog. I am on a weight loss journey as well. I have reached my goal weight of 150lbs (down about 60 lbs) :-) over 5 years to accomplish because I didn't really have a goal weight in mind until two years ago. Now I'm am working on muscle gain and toning. My new goal weight is 130lbs. We'll see when I reach it but slow progress is better than no progress! Keep up the great work!
Peta-Gaye Drummond
You inspire me! As I continue on my weight loss journey. I have days when I feel like giving up but I will keep at it. Thanks for sharing your great story.
Dannii
Thank you :) I am glad you enjoy the blog.
Jaime
I follow you on FB and sometimes it is hard to know who has a blog and who doesn't! I am definitely looking forward to reading your blog more in depth!
Dannii
All the info is in the About section of the FB page! But welcome to the blog :)
Petra
Hi Danii
It was great to meet you and what an amazing blog!
I really enjoy your blog and have nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award!
If you would like to accept this please have a look here to read more about it and to accept it.
http://petra08.wordpress.com/2013/07/15/the-versatile-blogger-award/