Becoming Happy & Healthy: Real Life Advice on Friendship, Dating, Career, and Everything Else You Care About

by Jeanine Amapola, Madison Prewett Troutt (Foreword)

There's never been a more complex and confusing time to navigate the transition into adulthood than right now. And for more than 10 years, YouTube star, podcaster, and Bible teacher Jeanine Amapola has been the trusted big sister young women need, getting to the heart of their struggles and offering practical, inspirational guidance to help them flourish.

In her debut book she goes even deeper, sharing stories she's never shared before--including how she overcame and healed from her own struggles, poor choices, secrets, and darkest thoughts. Tackling everything from dating and friendship to body image and confidence to faith and career choices, Jeanine shares real-world advice and tips to help you

· make wise decisions to set you up for success in every aspect of life
· heal and deal with your past for a better future
· discover your true identity in Christ
· grow mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually to be your best self

Living happy and healthy isn't complicated. Here is the real-life advice you need to overcome any challenge and live the full, fruitful, and free life you were created for.

Genres: Christian, Faith, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help, Spirituality, Memoir

192 pages, Hardcover

Published March 26, 2024

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a joy to read jeanine's first book! i have been a follower of her for more than 10 years i think. seeing the Lord transform her life over the years and her become confident in who God has made her to be has been so wonderful to follow along all these years. this book truly has something for everyone. struggling to be content in the season of life you are in? don't know how to create healthy habits and disciplines in your life? lacking friendships or community? jeanine offers so much wisdom and friendly advice. i have always talked about writing a book and i think jeannine took so many words out of my mouth. moments in the book i stopped and prayed and thanked God for bringing me out of similar situations and calling me higher. even madi's forward reminded me of my friendship with my best friend. i recommend this book whether you have followed jeanine or not, you can get something out of it!

[Jenna :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve listened to Jeanine’s podcast for years now and have always been very encouraged by her words of wisdom. In the same way that her podcast has uplifted me and given me motivation to make positive changes in my life, her book has also provided me with amazing Godly advice that I can immediately begin applying to my life. Jeanine’s vulnerability and openness in sharing her own experiences throughout the book also made it feel more relatable and meaningful. I am excited to read future works by Jeanine!

[Katie Betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

YouTube star Jeanine Amapola becomes the trusted big sister for young women navigating adulthood's complexities. With heartfelt stories and practical guidance, she tackles dating, friendship, body image, faith, and more, offering wisdom to make wise decisions, heal from the past, discover identity, and grow in all aspects of life. Unlock the keys to a fulfilling and free life.

I've been watching Jeanine on youtube for YEARS. Even before I knew she was a Christian. The past few years I've enjoyed watching her grow in her faith and becoming a strong voice for young adults wanting to pursue a life fully devoted to Christ. This book is a candid overview of her journey as she sprinkles in some great life tips and encouragement. I'd say the audience is intended to be college students/fresh young adults who are looking for some guidance from someone a few years ahead of them.

I listened to the last two chapters of the book. It felt just like listening to her podcast ☺️ I’d recommend that format if you’re already a fan of hers.

Thank you @bethany_house_nonfiction for the free book 💛

Perfect for you if you like:
Real-world advice from a "big sister"
Inspirational stories based self help
Healthy habits and life tips

Similar to:
The Love Everybody Wants by Madison Prewett Trout
Holy Habits by Noah Herrin
Single & Secure by Rich Wilkerson Jr.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a book that I’ll keep coming back to. Incredibly relatable, encouraging and well organized with tangible advice to live happier and healthier. Highly recommend!

[Katie Machnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got around to reading Jeanine’s book! One of my favorite influencers to follow. While not every chapter resonated with me today, it’s a great read if you want to grow in all areas of your life & faith!

[Rachel Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly don’t have enough positive things to say about this book! In such an honest and uplifting manner, Jeanine encompassed so many incredibly relatable aspects of any individual’s life and how, through Christ, all can lead to a happier and healthier way to live. I couldn’t stop highlighting and finding inspiration from what she was saying. Highly recommend!!!

[Benedicte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember the day Tuesday 26 March 2024. This is where my new journey was to begin in all areas of my life. I read the Bible for the first time in a long time, pre-ordered the book becoming happy and healthy on kindle because I knew that book would help me so on my journey. and a book I really needed at this time! I started reading the book the next day. now I felt enough was enough with how I felt. including bitterness about the past, difficulty in forgiving, poor self-esteem, dreading exercising, not feeling like I have enough time, little energy, bad conscience if I ate a lot one day. A lot of fear from the past, difficult to understand what I read in the Bible. I prayed a lot that day. read in the Gospel of John. suddenly I understood everything I read and got such a good calm and peace in me. things began to fall more and more into place. I started training every day, the routines fell more and more into place and I suddenly had much better time and more energy. I finally felt happiness and joy like that. I got routines without even trying, I'm autistic so it's difficult for me when it comes to list writing. I hadn't written a single list. I started to no longer think about weight and I focused on Jesus loving me for who I am ☺️💖

[Madeline Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so encouraging from start to finish and so well organized and worded. It felt like she was speaking straight to me honestly LOL. Love the reflection questions at the end of each chapter as well!

Some of my favorite quotes from this read:

- where you are now is a reflection of the choices you made a year ago
- Where you will be a year from now is a reflection of the choices you make now
- We cannot heal what we don’t reveal
- Your appearance should be the least interesting thing about you
- Choose wisely !!
- We often opt for what is easy and comfortable, including our past bad habits, make the right choices, easy, and accessible
- Motivation may help you begin the task, but discipline will carry you through it
- We are on a path of progress, not perfection
- I don’t know what is happened to you who has hurt you or what you’ve done but no matter how difficult the details of your story are you are not identified by it and your future is not determined by it

Thanks for reading my review!:)

[Elizabeth Owusu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! It gave so much practical advice on how to truly live happy and healthy. My favorite chapters were the decision making chapter, and the last two. I gave it four stars because as a faithful podcast listener a lot of the info in this book wasn’t new to me. However, the information in the last two chapters were, which is why they were my favorites. The decision making chapter really spoke to the season that I’m in now and gave me some relief about the decisions I have coming up. Overall I love that I have all the practical advice she’s given on her podcast in written format to refer back to! A great first book and here is to many more!

Also 10/10 recommend paring it with the audiobook! I think that’s why I got thorough it so fast! I’m definitely going to read through it again and actually sit with the chapters. It encouraged me to set a few new habits that I want to work on every month!

[Breanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the audiobook!! A few passages felt a little redundant but there was one chapter towards the end that I just know God was directing at me. So super specific and relevant and this is why I love Christian self help y’all

[Haley Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would probably give this a 4.5 ⭐️! I have followed the author on YouTube and listen to her podcast! This book was so helpful and covered many topics! I love how she provided practical steps for everything! Would highly recommend!

[Kristina Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with advice and guidance based on God’s word for a variety of aspects in one’s life. I appreciate Jeanine’s perspective, heart, and the courage she showed in sharing her own life stories. This is a book I’ll keep on hand for reference :)

[Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the author is much younger than me I could relate to everything she was saying in this book. She gave great tips on how to tend to your whole self.

[Lanae Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite influencers! She is such an inspiration

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ rating, enjoyed this one

[Alex Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the words of wisdom from Jeanine! I was so excited when I found out she wrote a book and had to buy it immediately. Speaking on different topics that all of us experience and giving practical and helpful advice from a spiritual mindset was so refreshing to read. She has inspired me through her Happy & Healthy Podcast and her book has matched that same inspiration. For those that seek guidance on how to truly live a happy and healthy life as a believer, I highly recommend picking up this book! 💛

[kate klein :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the sections that felt applicable to me

[Aubree · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a minute since I’ve completed a book and I’m elated to say that this is my 100th book read!! I’ve been following Jeanine for about 3 years now I just knew I had to order this book whenever I found out she was going to publish it. I love her content and how she models what having a relationship with Jesus looks like. She truly has been a big sister to guide me in my faith. Part of what took me so long to read this book was of course my laziness, but I also wanted to soak in what I was reading—I truly don’t read enough Christian books and it’s def a goal to read more. There is just so much to take note, so much that I actually did take note of and highlight, and I didn’t want to rush the process. Man.. this was such a bittersweet book to finish and I honestly can’t wait for her to publish another one. Now that I’m thinking about it, I think this is my first ever Christian self help book read and I’m so glad it was. Truly a model for what I enjoy reading. Shoutout to it being my 100th book read!! Totally didn’t realize that it would be. 5⭐️⭐️

[nea dolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself halfway through this book with one final day to reach my 2024 reading goal, and so I thought “muscle through, get it done, and feel accomplished.” But I urged myself to slow down as much as I could allow myself because I was already soaking up so much amazing information in the first half. And the second half of the book didn’t disappoint!

Jeanine is wise beyond her years, but you can also see that she speaks candidly from her own raw, real experiences. While baring it all, she is able to show us what living a happy and healthy life can look like: by inviting Jesus to be our number one.

I loved the pace and tone of her work, and how she was able to share from the heart without condemnation, judgement or seeming to boast. And in my attempt to hurry to finish, I know the Lord has shown me nuggets of wisdom and truth through Jeanine’s words that I can carry into 2025 with confidence and purpose.

[Jasmine Redington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing a book and starting a podcast titled "Happy & Healthy" is very on-brand for Jeanine Amapola. Before she became a strong Christian, she was always known for her healthy habits and lifestyle. I used to watch her on YouTube and so desperately want to emulate her lifestyle. She would work out consistently, make her bed, keep a tidy home, read, journal, and just about every other healthy habit you could think of. At least that's how it seemed from the outside.

In this book, she shares that life really wasn't all it was cracked up to be. That she really didn't even fully begin to emulate these qualities herself until she stopped trying to make everything happen in her own power and turned to God. Until she made God her foundation for everything else.

What a timely book this is for me. I may have to reread it soon. 💛

[Tessa Schafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loaded with such practical and easy to digest biblically rooted advice about all areas of life from friendships, dating, past shame, career, money, habits, health, fitness, and adventures. Jeanine is one of my favorite podcasters and I loved reading her book and getting to know more of her story. Creating a healthy life truly starts with the smallest things and mindset shifts. God has helped transform her life through abiding in Jesus, creating healthy habits and saying YES more! All the things I live by too so I was highlighting this book like crazy :). I also appreciated the friend like dialogue, summarized notes/takeaways, and reflective questions at the end of easy chapter.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars.

I’ve been following Jeanine’s content for about 3 years now. She’s like the older sister that I’ve never had. She goes into details about real life struggles and has empathy but doesn’t enable the readers to stay in bad habits or constantly makes excuses.

She’s disciplined, humble, focused and most importantly a servant of Jesus. A lot of these topics she’s done podcast episode on, but I love how this book has gone into more detail.

If you’re looking to form new habits and grow closer to Jesus I would recommend this book!!!

[Cache Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I think Jeanine did a great job at explicating and unpacking what it means to be happy and healthy, and used a Christian lens to do so. I think it’s perfect for young adults (I’m 24) and her reflective questions really got me thinking. I hope and pray those younger than me get to read it because I really think it’ll set you apart and enable you to learn certain things earlier. I’m definitely going to read it again and it will be something I’ll consistently go back and refer to

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was looking forward to this as I have followed Jeanine for quite awhile and was hoping she would release a book eventually. I listened on audiobook and while the book felt genuine, it sort of came off like she was reading someone else’s book versus her own words. It lacked some personality that makes her videos/podcasts so enjoyable and relatable. I wish she would have discussed more of her own stories/experiences versus listing off general advice. A great first book for her though & probably more to come!

[Victor Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was like her podcast but in written form - I enjoyed reading this and learning from the insights. Glad this was not a 'I'm telling you what to do because I have it figured out book" but a "Come let me show you how I don't have it figured out but point you to God who has it all figured out"

I loved the Dating chapter and the insight on qualities to look for. My favourite quote though was this one:

"A thought becomes a mindset, a mindset becomes a habit, a habit becomes a lifestyle, a lifestyle becomes an identity."

[Ashley Llorens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! I took my time to read it because I really wanted to take everything in. I love the questions at the end of every chapter - great reflection questions! She touched on many topics to from career, trying new things, dating, friendships, wellness, confidence, being set apart, etc… and there were many many gems throughout!! Love the insight she provided and how she did it in a testimonial and biblical way! Definitely will be picking this one up and reading again soon!!

[Brittany Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one of the best personal development books I’ve read! So many nuggets applicable to women in various seasons and stages of life! It was well-written and never redundant as some self-help books tend to be after a few chapters. Most importantly, the book ties in God’s Word throughout and exposed me to passages I’ve never read and also referenced some of my go-to verses and biblical stories. I will be recommending this to friends, family, and co-workers who need a quick encouraging read! Well done.

[Ella Layer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think any women in their 20s no matter how along in your faith you are should read this book. It is a beautiful testimony and such a practical book. I think some of the biggest takeaways I got from this book were to find an accountability partner to help you grow with the Lord, serve others above yourself in all circumstances, and make decisions with the question will this bring me closer to Jesus!

[Sandy Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a personable biblical self-help book this is the book for you! I have watched Jeanine on YouTube for at least 8 years now and have truly seen her grow in her faith. She was not posting Christian focused content earlier in her career but as she continued to grow in her faith, so did I! I have learned so much through her Happy and Healthy podcast and now her book! I normally don't read self-help books, but this was very encouraging, convicting, and relatable.

[Jesslyn G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a big self-help book girly (yet), but trying to get there. This was the perfect start! I love Jeanine and her testimony and how she uses her platform and just everything about how she lives her life for Christ! This book had great biblically-rooted advice for how to live happy and healthy! She challenged me in new ways I hadn’t thought of before and asked good reflective questions. And getting to know a little bit more about Jeanine and her life was just a plus!