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.
Marianne Corman says
Hi Christina…what is the purpose of the coconut aminos??
Cristina says
coconut aminos are great for a soy sauce replacement but also to add color and sweetness to meals
Darin says
Good for you. You didn’t mention that your also beautiful
Cristina says
thank you
Karen Davis says
I just bought your book “Made Whole, Made Simple” and I can’t put it down. I can relate. Thank you for writing this and for your outlook on eating for health. Of all the books in Barnes & Noble, I chose yours! I am a 69 year old full time nurse and wildfire survivor (Paradise Camp Fire 18 months ago) and I want to live a healthy life.
Cristina says
Oh Karen! Thank you so much for picking my book of all the books on the shelf, it means a lot to me. I truly hope the information and recipes are a part of a healthy thriving life for you! Welcome to The Castaway family <3
Karen Davis says
Thank you Cristina. I just got your 1st book this week and I love it too. I’m reading both books at the same time. Lol! Been replacing kitchen items and food items to get my kitchen set up for healthy cooking.
Cristina says
<3 <3 <3
Kristiina Stoddard says
Love you already- your down to earth and honesty, fun facts and thank you for your purpose and help.
Cristina says
awwww thanks so much Kristina!!
Kristy Cranford says
Hi there, Cristina! My name is Kristy and I came across your website today while doing more research on AIP and Whole 30. I did 30 days of strict AIP and started adding foods back in, although not in the recommended way. About to restart from day 1 and that’s when I saw your keto AIP reset.
On this journey for the long haul, I’m also starting functional nutrition school with Andrea Nakayama in July. I really enjoyed reading your story and all the feats you’ve overcome.
Cristina says
Hi Kristy! Don’t beat yourself up, it happens. I think you will learn a lot in your nutrition program and it will be a huge tool of healing for you. Best of luck!
Delma Lopez Miller says
I was diagnosed with HS last year….I’ve been tweaking my eating but it’s been a struggle…my HS is not as bad as others I’ve read about but I worry about it getting worse…I’m a 54 old woman, retired police officer who has issues with hormones due to a hysterectomy and over weight….I want to do the right thing and get a hold of this!!! I do need help…my dermatologist said I needed to go full on paleo n lose weight….thank you for sharing your experiences.
Cristina says
Hugs Delma! You can do it!
Judy Subora says
How do you order from biotics research supplements if you do not have a provider that is in the program.
Thank you so much for your blog and books.. I have them both.
You are a God send to me, just diagnosed a couple of weeks ago with RA with skin manifestations.
Judy Subora
Cristina says
You can get biotics supplement via fullscript, use my link on my home page that says supplements to make an account.
Emely Ruiz says
I JUST WANTED TO SAY: “I LOVE HOW U SAY, I’M LOUD AND I ALWAYS TALK W MY HANDS”. LATINA AL FIN!!! so happi you found your happiness@!!!! THIS WEBSITE IS AWESOMEE!!!
Cristina says
Graciiaaaasss
Martha Lay says
Hello,
I just found you through Ali Miller RD podcast and love what you are about. Where did you get you nutritional education from? I’ve been considering going back to school. Thank you
Cristina says
The Nutritional Therapy Association, I have a blog post about it here >> https://thecastawaykitchen.com/what-is-a-nutritional-therapy-practitioner/
Heidi Rose Tyson says
Cristina, I want to thank you for being so real with me over the phone and for creating this blog so that I might have better and more abundant resources while I change my life for the better.
I am going to try your liver pate today. I’ll let you know what I think!
Cristina says
Heidi- its my absolute pleasure
Audrey says
What cookware do you recommend?
Cristina says
Lodge Castiron
Lisa Hailey says
I purchased the cookbook and am exited to try something soon! I saw a video somewhere (can’t fine it now) where you offered the opp to take a free mini assessment. Can you tell me where to get that? Thanks!
Cristina says
Email your order confirmation or proof of purchase to madewholecookbook@gmail.com and you’ll get it
Jennifer Corgan says
Just wondering what school or institution you went through to get certification to be nutritional therapy practitioner. Interested in pursuing this myself. Any help appreciated. Ty
Cristina says
I wrote a blog post about it: https://thecastawaykitchen.com/what-is-a-nutritional-therapy-practitioner/
Juli says
Hmmm I sent you a msg in the contact section. Shoot now I hope I did it right. Did you get it? It’s about being an athlete and juggling food with workouts.
Cristina says
I answered your question during the live 🙂 Eat an extra snack around workout. Something starchy beforehand like sweet potato toast and then something with protein after like compliant beef jerky and nuts. This in addition to regular meals.
Carmen Miller says
Love your recipes and can’t wait to try them all (I’m a new subscriber). As for the 10 fun facts about you, I seriously think you should add “beautiful” to the list!
Thank you for all the information you provide us.
Cristina says
Thank you Carmen!
Lorraine Ayre says
Thanks for so many wonderful recipes! Clearly a labor of love and self-care.
Wondering if somethings wrong with my browser or what, though, as I can’t get the recipe filter at the top to work. When I try to check any box, the whole thing goes highlight, but boxes won’t check.
Thanks again for all the great recipes!
Cristina says
Hmm weird, it’s doing the highlight thing for me, but still lets me check the boxes. I use Google Chrome. What are you on?