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 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.
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
Terry says
Christina, I’ve read through a lot of your website and feel motivated for myself and bummed for what you have had to live through. You have stood up to the many challenges and now living life on what sounds like a very positive trajectory.
I first tried Keto to manage inflammation issues and while it was helpful, I developed Keto Rash which was pretty rough so I increased my complex carbs to ease that condition. In doing so, some of the weight I lost started coming back on. Now, I am trying Keto again and hope you might help me with two questions.
1 – If you have used an app to track meals and macros, which one did you find worked the best for you?
2 – In determining what a new recipe’s nutritional values are, what tool/app have you found useful for calculating nutritional values?
I’ve subscribed to your email list and look forward to learning a lot from you and the information you share. Thank you.
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Hi Terry! Welcome! Keto isn’t for everyone and while it’s a great dietary tool it’s not one I use consistently. I too added compiled carbs back in to my diet with success after reversing insulin resistance. But I’m happy to help!
I really like Cronometer and it’s the same one I use to calculate nutritional values of recipes here on the blog.
Nicole Linz says
Hi Cristina I’m turning 43 next month and I’ve always had gi issues and if I’m lucky I go #2 once a week sometimes longer, however I drink water I’m constantly moving and I’m generally a good eater what protocol do u suggest I try AIP keto, whole 30, I just don’t know where to start and I’ve been on all gi meds to help my pipes but there not much help either looking forward to your suggestions!!
Andrea says
Happened upon you on TikTok first thing this morning and made my way here. Must be a sign; I had decided this weekend I needed to get back on the keto(ish) train (I have UC). My daughter is allergic to peanut and coconut/hazelnut sensitive so we avoid. Suggestions for substitutions in your recipes that use coconut flour?
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Hi Andrea I have a lot of coconut free recipes, especially in my second book – made whole made simple. Coconut flour can be replaced with 3x the amount of almond flour or 2x the amount of tiger nut flour in most instances.
Julie says
Hello, I love your recipes! I’m wondering if you have any paleo/GF restaurant recommendations for the Miami and FL Keys areas? We’re heading there soon. I’ve been searching, but haven’t found anything that really stands out. TIA!!
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Hi! My go-to was Green Gables Cafe but they just closed 🙁
Shauna says
Have you ever dealt with PMR? Just been diagnosed and at my day one. Have hit rock bottom and trying to swim back up. Somehow.
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
I personally haven’t. If you want to work with someone check out WellTheory.com – you can work with an NTP at a great price.
Dani Santos says
Aloha! I have your cookbook and love it. I’m on Oahu and wondered if you had any local restaurants you liked to go to where you could eat gf or AIP food?
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Hi Dani, we left Oahu 3.5 years ago, a lot has changed since then. AIP food was nearly impossible to find out, Over Easy in Kailua had a breakfast bowl I loved. And Kalua pork and cabbage is a popular dish and the traditional preparation (no sauce or glaze) is paleo!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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).