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.
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).
Lisa Palevich says
Love your energy and realistic attitude about the way food can change your entire life!!!
Do you have any more recipes for AIP KETo? I am trying this plan and I am already feeling much better.
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Thank you and yes, I do! https://thecastawaykitchen.com/the-aip-keto-starter-guide/
Tara Lynn Matlak says
So happy to have found you and your blog/recipes! I too am 5’9′, size 10/11 shoe size and was recently diagnosed with HS. A bundle of similarities with the body image, binge eating and yo-yo dieting all my pre-teen – current life. Add in the emotional stuff…psoriasis and migraines. Joined an HS for women support group on Facebook and another member shared a video with you telling your story. Thank you for your bravery and inspiring insight!
Wendy Liwonde says
Hi Cristina. I’m so happy to have found you. I’m dealing with a ton of new diagnosis’ and have no idea how to manage everything as each specialist says I should try a different special diet. The most recent discouragement is sudden onset hypoglycemia. I’ve been told there’s nothing I an do but eat lots of carbs all day everyday. I’ve been gaining a lot of weight and am super discouraged. To complicate things a bit more (as if we needed to) I live in Malawi, Africa. It’s difficult to find the ingredients in most diet plans that I get here in the US. So.. all that to say, if you have any specific advice I’d certainly appreciate it!
Janet Landis says
My son has IBS and ulcerative colitis. He’s been told to do a low FoDMAP diet. I have two autoimmune diseases and have gone from being a triathlete to being riddled with pain and disabled in less than a year. Will your cookbooks work for us both? Thanks
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Hi! While my recipes are AIP or AIP friendly they’re not low fodmap.
carlene says
Why are you unable to eat night shade vegetables? I wonder if that might be true for me.
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
They make me very ill, fatigue, inflammation, joint pain and ultimately make my skin condition flare up
Sasha Bes says
I also have Hydradentis Supperativia and I was wondering what you think would be the best meal plan for me to follow. (I have been trying to eliminate Gluten as well as sugars and dairy already. )
I love your website! Thanks for being an inspiration! 😀
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Everyone is different. I found that the autoimmune protocol is a good place to start, it’s not forever, but it can help you identify foods connected to flare ups.
Ina Shah says
Hi Cristina! I took your first book out of the library and have renewed it 3 times! I want to buy one of your books and just wondered which one you might recommend…or are they quite different?
I have some similar issues such as obesity and autoimmune and am just about to dive in to your keto, paleo, AIP combo!!
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Hi Ina, thanks! They’re very different books in terms of the types of recipes. But with both you get a lot of information and a lot of recipes that can help you reach your goals. If you navigate on my blog menu to where it says My Books, I have posts which detail each book and you can decide which is best for you.
Ash says
I love when I stumble onto a blog written by someone “just like me”. Nothing against the naturally thin and lean but it’s hard to take advice from people who have bodies and hormones so different from my own.
You get it. You really do. The self-harm through starvation. The shame of binge eating after committing to that yo-yo diet for a whole 12 hours. More starvation as punishment. Disordered eating wreaking havoc on hormones. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy. You’re a lovely resource; humble, kind, and generous with your experiences. I truly believe it’s easier to commit to a lifestyle when you can see someone “just like you” do it and do it well.
Thank you!
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Hi Ash! Sending you a BIG virtual hug! I’m glad you’re here!
Margo D Martin says
Hi Cristina,
I purchased your AIP KETO RESET MEAL PLAN I was wondering if you have the macros for these recipes? I am trying to learn how to use MYFITNESS pal but it is confusing to me. Was hoping you would have the macros so I wouldn’t have to stress while I learn the app. If you do would you please send to me.
Thank You,
Margo
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Hi Margo, the AIP Reset meal plan does no have macros, and it’s on purpose. AIP + KETO is a lot. It’s better to focus on compliance and food choices over macros.
Karen says
Hi Cristina. I am enjoying learning on your website. I bought both of your books and have tried many recipes already. Tasty and satisfying . I have Hashimotos and was following AIP most of the time. and just recently found to have higher blood sugars. Searched low carb AIP and found you. Thank you for all the research and recipes. :))
Cristina Curp, FNTP says
Hi Karen! I’m so glad my recipes have helped you <3 I'm running a coaching group in May that combines AIP and Keto lmk if you want more info 🙂