Hello! I’m Cristina Maria Curp, Cuban-American, mother, food lover, and dreamer. Former restaurant chef, current Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, and cookbook author. I created this blog to share my passion for food as medicine. About to turn thirty, with a baby to care for I found myself at rock bottom. Emotionally and physically.
I was riddled with inflammation, pain, and fatigue. I didn’t feel at home in my body or comfortable in my skin. Hidradenitis Suppurativa was ragging all over my body. Something needed to change. So I looked at my food choices. As a lifelong binge eater and yo-yo dieter, I was ready to stop the vicious cycle of guilt and self-harm. That is to say… I get it. I’ve been there. I had my day one.
I wasn’t perfect about this healthy lifestyle from day one, and I still am not. But I strive every day to feel better and be better.
A mama with a history of disordered eating, autoimmune disease, and a whole lotta emotional baggage. If I can turn this my hot mess express around, so can you.
I KNOW, I know in my bones that real food is the key to health, and healthy, thriving life is the key to happiness. Here at The Castaway Kitchen, our mission is to spread the word that food does heal. That you can embrace the dietary and lifestyle changes that will change your life and enjoy the food you eat while you do it!
I want you to feel empowered and inspired to heal! By creating delicious resources, sharing information, and my own story, my goal is to help YOU find the nutritional path that is right for you. We’re all so unique and while I do share what has worked for me, it might not be what works for you, but I will help get you there!
What Next?
- Cook from the hundreds of free recipes on my blog, via the recipe index.
- Check out my Books: Made Whole + Made Whole Made Simple
- Read informative articles and inspirational stories here.
- Grab a meal plan here.
- You can take one of my courses.
- Book me for speaking events, private dinners, or brand deals.
10 Fun Facts About me:
- Left-handed middle child, and a Gemini!
- Made in Miami, with Cuban parts (first-generation American).
- Bilingual (hablo Español).
- I like to lift heavy things and dance salsa!
- I’m a big girl! 5’9 and toting size 11 feet!
- I’ve lived in Miami, San Diego, DC area, and Hawaii!
- Sociology and Anthropology Major with a background in market research.
- 6 years of commercial kitchen experience, 3 as executive chef.
- I’m hilarious.
- I’m also loud and I talk with my hands.
Cara Gerard says
The recipes in Made Whole are creative and healthy. As a Nutrition Counsler, I am always looking for unique but simple and nutritious recipes. There have been so many cookbooks that I look at have damaged and highly refined oils in them like the the ‘Hateful 8’ coined by Dr. Catherine Shanahan. Anyway, thank you for omitting them in your recipes. Keep up the good recipe work!
Sharon Nelson says
Hi I just left you a comment and forgot something I have your book made homemade simple and I’m going to try to get the other one can I use either one of the recipes that are in those books for the two-week reset
Sharon Nelson says
I have a question I just bought your keto AIP reset plan and there’s some things on there I don’t like like I don’t like asparagus can I exchange it for one of the other vegetables and is there any other meals on your website that I can substitute for some of the ones that are in the meal plan and my situation is I’m 75 years old have been on AIP and it doesn’t seem to be helping right now things are getting worse so I’m going to try this and see how it goes blessings
Carrie Fernandez says
I would like permission to use one image from a blog post in a roundup. I am linking to this post specifically: https://thecastawaykitchen.com/aipbreakfastbowl, however I have linked to some of your other posts too so if you allow one image and a link, please let me know. Thanks!
Hazel says
Sure, thanks Carrie!
Erin says
Hi! I borrowed your Made Whole cookbook from a friend and it’s great. I’d like to buy my own copy of your cookbooks, so I’m wondering what are the differences between two?
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
The recipes are totally different in each book. Made Whole Made Simple focuses on easier recipes.
Brenda Stewart says
I have been overweight all my life and don’t like it. I’ve tried most diets and still remain big(obese). My doctor says I’m healthy so don’t worry about it. I think he’s wrong! I’m 77 and I told him I want to live to over 100.
Katey says
You’ve inspired me ~ I think you’re awesome!
Just purchased your cookbook, too 🙂
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Thank you Katey!
Vicki says
I’m so glad I found you again! I think you are the only one offering AIP Keto! Thanks and wishing you continued success.
Mary Tobias says
I don’t have a pressure cooker. How can I prepare the Nomato sauce without one?
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Cook stove top, in dutch oven, after saute, simmer with lid on until tender
Julie crist says
Hi Christina. Love your recipes, just wanted to share a little recent info you might need. We were eating tons of Lakanto and other erythritol, which I was never comfortable with as it is hyper-processed. We quit last month because I was getting a bad feeling about sugar alcohols, and then the research started coming out. It causes blood clotting. https://www.everydayhealth.com/diabetes/sugar-substitute-erythritol-may-increase-risk-for-blood-clotting-and-stroke/
Since you are working so hard at being healthy, I wanted you to have all the info you need to make your choices. Good luck.
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
I don’t think eating a ton of ANY sweetener is okay. In moderate to small amounts, which is how all sweeteners, keto or not, are okay in my opinion.
Shelly Berardini says
Hi Cristina, thank you very much for all your research and recipes. Grains do not work in my body and I love cassava flour products, which led me to your site.
I plan to make the cassava pasta cut into lasagna noodles and baked raw with all other lasagna ingredients. Have you made lasagna with your pasta? If so, any tips you’d like to share? Many thanks!