stick to the/(one's) ribs
Of food, to be hearty and sustaining. I'm sick of eating nothing but fruit and vegetables—give me something that will stick to the ribs. Have a bowl of my famous chili, it will stick to your ribs in this cold weather.
stick to one's ribs
Fig. [for food] to last long and fortify one well; [for food] to sustain one even in the coldest weather. This oatmeal ought to stick to your ribs. You need something hearty on a cold day like this. I don't want just a salad! I want something that will stick to my ribs.
stick to (one's) ribs
Informal To be substantial or filling. Used of food.