Stephanie Troyer

Hello friends. I am an average almost 40 year old with an amazing family and a life full of chaos, good chaos but still my chaos. I am a registered nurse working in the emergency department at Mother Frances Hospital. I have four kids and two dogs; the dogs are just as spoiled as the kids. My husband is also a registered nurse and a fantastic father and husband. We believe God comes first and as long as we remember that everything else is a piece of cake.

Last year I decided to try to be healthier so I started drinking protein shakes for breakfast every morning. Maybe two weeks into it I began to feel like there was difficulty swallowing. Well after some time and a continued increase in this feeling I saw an allergist who did a skin prick test and diagnosed me with a soy allergy. The protein in the shakes I was drinking was soy. I didn't pick soy specifically it just happened to be what it was. Most people can drink them and be fine, but not me. I have never had an allergy before in my entire life. I'm not even allergic to poison ivy. Really?!! I know it's crazy!! So now at the age of almost 40 I am allergic to soy. Not just an intolerance where it upsets my stomach or makes me sick but a true, epipen owning, allergic response where it causes swelling to my throat. WOW!! It rocked my world and not in a good way.

So if you have ever checked food labels you already know soy is in EVERYTHING!! This scared me. REallY ReaLLY scared. Now, one year later I'm still here trying to figure out how to make it all work and fit into my life.

It has been a long year but I am adjusting, we all are adjusting. It has increased my faith and at the same time beat me down and I want to share it with you. All my fears, some overcome and some not so much, all my recipes and even places it's safe to eat. I'm hoping to help some and get help from others. Hope you enjoy!!

Check my blog out at ihavetobesoyfree.webpress.com