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For the past five years, certified personal trainer Paige Romanowski has helped transform the bodies of clients across the North Fork. Now, the Mattituck resident hopes to inspire men and women throughout the country to take charge of their weight.

Romanowski, who owns the recently opened Jamesport fitness facility BodyRite, filmed an episode of “The Dr. Oz Show” last Thursday in New York City. The episode, which is tentatively expected to air locally on FOX 5 this month, emphasizes the purported benefits of a low-carbohydrate diet.

“Americans are confused about what they’re supposed to be doing in terms of food and their lifestyles,” said Ms. Romanowski, 41, whose own diet includes plenty of protein and healthy fats. “I spend a lot of time educating everybody [at BodyRite], trying to help them understand how our bodies work from a physiological perspective.

“Eating simply, in a ‘BodyRite’ way, is not complicated,” she continued. “And that’s why I’m on ‘The Dr. Oz Show.’ ”

Romanowski’s path to national television began about three weeks ago, when a friend forwarded her an email saying “The Dr. Oz Show” was looking for low-carbohydrate enthusiasts — people who restrict their intake of the sugars, starches and fibers found in fruits, grains, vegetables and dairy products — to share their expertise.

“I’ve been practicing a low-carbohydrate lifestyle for a long time, so I felt compelled to respond,” said Romanowski, who is also health and fitness editor at House magazine. “I was like, ‘This is an opportunity to share what you know.’ ”

A “Dr. Oz” producer contacted Romanowski the next day and asked her to appear. She filmed the episode with Camile Rienecker and Rebecca Neese, two BodyRite clients who have lost a combined 145 pounds with Romanowski’s coaching.

“Paige is more than just a fitness coach,” said Rienecker, who lives in Cutchogue and lost 70 pounds in 13 months. “You can work out 80 million times a day, but if you don’t change your eating habits as far as your lifestyle, nothing will change. That’s what Paige does.”

Neese, a New Suffolk resident, added that Romanowski “works with you” to achieve your fitness goals.

“I was so uncomfortable in my skin when I was introduced to Paige,” said Ms. Neese, who recently lost 90 pounds. “She sat down, she talked to me, and we worked on what I couldn’t get from other diets and why I was struggling.”

For Romanowski, who once battled her own weight, the path to health goes beyond diet and exercise. For long-term results, people need to educate themselves about food. Ultimately, they must also commit to a complete change in lifestyle.

“What’s really important for Americans to know is that food is powerful and food can change your life,” she said. “My hope and my prayer is really that this is just a stepping stone and a catalyst for me to do even more good in America.”

Locally, “The Dr. Oz Show” airs on FOX 5 weekdays at 2 p.m. To learn more about BodyRite, visit bodyritetraining.com, search for them on Facebook or call 631-276-9407.

Have a health column idea for Rachel Young? Email her at [email protected].

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