Hello! I’m Cristina Maria Curp, Cuban-American, mother, military spouse, 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 severely overweight, riddled with inflammation, pain, and fatigue. 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.
10 Fun Facts About me:
- Left-handed middle child
- Married to a sailor. We have two babies, a little boy, and our schnauzer.
- Made in Miami, with Cuban parts (first-generation American).
- Bilingual (hablo Español)
- I’m a big girl! 5’9 and toting size 11 feet!
- I’ve lived in Miami, San Diego, Hawaii, and Virginia, headed back to Hawaii!
- Sociology and Anthropology Major with a background in market research
- 6 years commercial kitchen experience, 3 as executive chef
- I’m hilarious
- I’m also loud and I talk with my hands
Photo by: Rebecca Borge Photography
margaret says
You had me at 5’9” size 11 feet. I am 5’10 size 11″ feet. Tall girls have to stick together! I’m ready for life change (health wise).
Megan E Howard says
I LOVE your book! Everything I have made has been spectacular! I have been adapting your beet marinara to be a beet spicy red sauce for enchiladas. Just made the turkey meatballs; adore them!! They made me so happy I think I might do an entirely Cristina recipe week next week. I ‘m single and make all my food on the weekend and eat it every day during the week, so it HAS to be good! But your recipes have not failed me and have brought me much joy! Thank you.
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Thank you Megan for the sweet comment, made my day!
Marty Hanna says
Cristina, I’m starting a brand new health adventure with your Made Whole and online roadmap! Have spent two days studying the book and making menu decisions. I’m excited. Made your ginger sauce tonight, and dinner is Asian slaw and sirloin. My best nutritional success has been with keto+AIP with a serving of starch once or twice a week, at dinner. So I picked up two small white sweet potatoes today. Also, loved your bio. Personality wise, you sound like a young me. I’ll be in touch.
Emi Schoene says
I ave only seen this page if your website and I feel like crying.
I have HS and food issues and wear size 12 shoes…you are my person!!!!
Excited to learn more.
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Glad you’re here Emi!
Linda says
Hi! I just discovered your IG and have always had a weight problem. LOVE sweets & popcorn. Being 5’4”, presently 195# down from 205# and pre-diabetic with high blood pressure & cholesterol, I’m trying to maintain a low carb lifestyle but I’m looking for recipes and nutritional guidance in low carb & keto lifestyle. Love grass-fed sustainable bison and beef.
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Hi Linda, welcome. You can use the recipe index and search for recipes by sorting keto and low carb!
Misra says
I’m 14 years old and I suffer from HS since I was 11! I hope your tips can help to reduce my HS too!
Barb Hutzky says
Misra, my daughter is 19 and has suffered from HS since about 14. I empathize with you. I just found this site by accident. I need to read more here, and I hope it can help us too.
Tay says
What should a vegan girl 6’1 and skinny eat for a filling lunch? x in lockdown and poor
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Tay, I don’t actually support vegan diets, I think they’re not nutrient-dense enough.