Hello! I’m Cristina Maria Curp, Cuban-American, mother, military spouse, food lover and dreamer. Former restaurant chef, current Nutritional Therapy Practicioner and cookbook author. I created this blog to share my passion of food as medicine. About to turn thirty, with a baby to care for I found my self at rock bottom. Emotionally and physically.
I was severely overweight, riddled with inflammation, pain, and fatigue. Something needed to change. So I looked at my food choices. As a lifelong binge eater, 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 obesity, 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 a 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.
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!
Start here: FOOD AS MEDICINE
My Book: Made Whole
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 now Virginia
- 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
Lesa says
Hello! I just bought your book and to be honest I only went through the recipes. Today, I have decided to change my eating and actually started Made Whole from the beginning. I have the same health issues. I eat horribly. I did well straight Keto but stopped and wanted to start eating well again. Your story has inspired me and I look forward to a new journey. I decided to write in my book as I go. Like a journal to keep me engaged. I just came to your website today and wanted to say hi and thank you. Thank you for your honesty and giving me the resources to get well from the inside out. Im nervous, anxious, and ready to try.
Best
Lesa
Cristina says
Thank you so much Lesa! I hope it’s a great resource for you as well as my blog and online community!
Heather Hoffman says
Hello
I have been dealing with stomach issues since I was kid and I LOVE food! I’m Lebanese American and my mom is the best chef! I’ve been to at least 10 GI docs and I finally saw a naturopath who did a blood food sensitivity test and I can’t believe I’m severely sensitive to eggs, beef, gluten, dairy and almonds. I’ve been keto for 3 years and I’m pretty devastated. Are your recipes tailored to many of these foods? Thoughts? Thank you! Your food always looks amazing (and you too:))
Cristina says
It can be hard to navigate food issues… I wouldn’t take the test results as a life sentence. There can be false positives on those tests and if your doctor isn’t addressing root cause issues like leaky gut, low stomach acid, inflammation, then get a new doctor! That being said, my recipes are all paleo or keto or both. ALL of them are gluten free, MOST of them are dairy free (I use a little ghee or butter) and a lot are also nut and egg free. As for beef free, just avoid the beef recipes. You can filter recipes via your dietary needs in my recipe index. Just click on paleo, keto, nut free, egg free and search in the chicken and seafood menus.