Quitting smoking is one of the top ten resolutions on everyone’s list, along with losing weight, getting organized and saving money. Yet, it’s one of the tougher ones to achieve, as people spend years trying to get rid of this unhealthy habit. Having lost my dad to smoking and having been a smoker myself (I quit 10 years ago), I understand how hard it can be. So when I heard Joe Bastianich, a renowned restaurateur and co-host of Master Chef, is teaming up with Blueprint to Quit, a comprehensive quit-smoking program, I wanted to share his story and point of view with you. Bastianich was a heavy smoker, like nearly a third of his colleagues in the restaurant industry, smoking more than two-and-a-half packs a day, a habit that started interfering with his ability to taste and smell. He quit successfully and now is helping smokers keep their resolution to quit smoking in the New Year.
How long have you been a smoker?
I was a smoker for 18 years and have been smoke-free for 15. At one point, I smoked up to two and a half packs of cigarettes per day, buying a third pack on my way home from Babbo each night.
What was the biggest motivation for you to quit smoking?
I had tried to quit dozens of times and struggled, however when my oldest child was born, I realized I wanted to live longer than 40. My wife laid down the law, so to speak, and helped me realize I had to get healthy if I wanted to be a good role model for my new family. At the same time, I realized my passion for food and wine was being compromised; my senses were becoming dull from smoking, and in the food and wine industry these senses are crucial. Surprisingly enough, there are a lot of chefs and restaurant workers who smoke and face the same dilemma.
Have you tried to quit in the past? How many times?
Yes, I had attempted to quit numerous times in the past to no avail. It wasn’t until I made a commitment to myself and my family, and used the right tools to help me along the way. I used the NicoDerm patches along with the support of my family and friends to finally help me quit for good.
Do you feel that smoking has had any effect on your taste buds? More salt or less?
Yes. My senses of taste and smell have increased tremendously since I quit smoking. When I quit, these senses came back almost immediately.
Did smoking help you deal with stress in the past? How do you deal with it now?
Yes, especially in the fast-paced restaurant industry. Oftentimes, smoking a cigarette is how you deal with stress, particularly when so many people around you are smoking. Now, I take out my stress in more productive ways- like running. Exercise, doing something physically taxing, is one way I helped deal with cravings and stress when I was quitting, too. It takes your mind off the cravings, plus if you’re smoking, you won’t be able to keep up with the exercise you love.
What’s different about Blueprint to Quit?
Blueprint to Quit is something I’m proud to be a part of. A program like this wasn’t around when I quit – but I know first-hand how important it is to have a support team and the right tools to help you quit. Less than five percent of people who try to quit smoking with no tools achieve success so using tools is important. There’s such a high percentage of people who smoke in the food hospitality industry, and I want to tell my story and help others in the same situation better themselves personally and professionally. Because smoking is a two-part problem – both a physical addiction and a habitual addiction – it requires a two-part solution and that is what Blueprint offers. Blueprint to Quit delivers tools that are proven to increase your chances of success and delivers on helping both the physical and behavioral cravings. You’ve got the NRT product and a whole host of online behavioral support tools to help you through. You can get more information about it at walmart.com/blueprinttoquit.
