As the weather gets colder and I prepare to put on my winter insulation (aka a few extra pounds to keep me warm), the contestants on “The Biggest Loser” are beginning to shape up. At least physically.

Their emotional states don’t appear to be as balanced and the families are starting to get restless. Don’t miss next week’s episode at 8 p.m. Tuesday because it’s sure to be filled with even more drama – especially since it’s ’80s week.

If you’ve missed an episode, be sure to check out the Web site http://www.nbc

.com/thebiggestloser for recaps, contestant transformations, and something particularly helpful for us here in Maine. Trainer Bob has posted a cold-weather workout that might not look like much fun, but is sure to burn a few of those Thanksgiving calories.

I also have to tell you I’m a little disappointed this week. After attending Carrie Underwood’s concert in Portland a few weeks ago, I wrote in my review that she wasn’t in a relationship and the only man in her life was her dog. Apparently I lied because she lied to a crowd of hundreds.

I’m not blaming her since all celebs seem to try to keep their personal lives private, but a report on Reality TV World’s Web site and confirmed by Us Weekly states that the former “Idol” star is dating the former “Bachelor” from Paris, Travis Stork.

If it’s true, I wish them the best and will spend the next few days consoling The Man on the Couch.

Something other than Underwood’s love life also is beginning to heat up. It’s the kitchen on “Top Chef.”

I signed up this week to play the online “Top Chef” fantasy game on Bravo. All you have to do is go to http://www.bravo

tv.com/topchef and pick your favorite contestants. If they do well on the show, you earn points. They screw up, you lose points.

The top point-getter each week will get a “Top Chef” cookbook and oven mitt (the oven mitt’s not so exciting), and at the end of the season the winner will receive $2,500. It’s no “Deal or No Deal” million, but every little bit helps when you’ve got an oil tank to fill.

Check it out and best of luck!