In the summer of 2010, a 347-pound Mike Zito walked into the Duke University Health and Fitness Center, and according to him, “something clicked.” Then, his journey began.
Zito, who teaches some of the media classes at Staples, such as TV production, now weighs a significantly leaner 225 pounds, after spending four weeks with a nutritionist and trainer, learning the tricks to slimming down.
He came on a suggestion from friend and college Jim Honeycutt, who also teaches TV Production at Staples. Honeycutt had known about a fellow teacher who had found success there.
Being in the renowned Health and Fitness Center spurred a decision for Zito, which had been building inside him for a long time.
“I knew it was unhealthy,” he said, “I wasn’t able to do things, and I knew it would just get worse.”
He had tried a lot of weight-loss techniques, and countless diets, but his efforts had been futile. It was time for a lifestyle change, and it was going to be a big one.
For the math major, it was all about equations; calories in and calories out. He counted the calories he consumed daily, and acquired a body-bug, a device to wear on his arm that would calculate the calories he burned daily. He also had the help of his nutritionist, Elisabetta Politi, and trainer, Brian Housle.
Politi helped him with a low calorie diet, and organized plans for more equally distributed meals. They determined that due to his busy mornings and lunch periods at school, he was not eating enough breakfast or lunch, and compensating with larger portions at dinner.
They also grappled with the hard times Zito often had identifying hunger and satisfaction. He would eat more because he could not recognize if he was really full, and issue that many often face. According to Politi, the Duke Health and Fitness Center puts a lot of emphasis on mindful eating.
After establishing new habits with the help of Politi and Housle, Zito is proudly carrying 135-less pounds as he treks through the hallways of Staples, and losing an impressive average of two pounds each week.
“I am very happy that I have done this,” he said, “I have a lot more options now.”
Honeycutt also praised his impressive change.
“Mr. Zito has not only lost weight, he has made a breakthrough,” he said.
When Zito revisited the Health and Fitness center this past summer, Politi too was amazed with his progress.
“When I saw him this summer, I couldn’t recognize him,” said Politi, “He is very inspirational, I wish everyone was as determined and motivated as he is.”
Politi cited his motivation and the support of his wife as some of what brought him to triumph. She also praised him for being an excellent role model, a duty he continues to fulfill as he presents the story of his journey to some of Staples’s health classes.
“It’s a real thrill for me,” he said.
He is also open to talk to anyone and everyone curious or looking for a resource. He has even given a success story talk at Duke.
Back at home he is still chipping away at a goal to run a collective 1,000 miles on a treadmill. He is currently at 988 miles, and will finish before the end of the year.
“It’s a big change from feeling out of breath at the top of the stairs,” he said.
As for what is next for Zito, he is discussing the organization of a 5K run through the school with student government, something he would definitely not have considered before July of 2010, but might spearhead now.
“I want that first run to be meaningful,” he said. “It will be at Staples.”
