When the weather gets genuinely freezing, all I want to do is hide inside, put on my thickest socks, and slow down a bit. It’s also the exact moment I start craving food that feels like a hug but doesn't leave me feeling completely sluggish.

If you want something comforting, packed with the good stuff, and incredibly cheap, you honestly need to get into lentils.

I know they have a bit of a reputation for being boring health food, but they are an absolute secret weapon if you actually want a bowl of soup to keep you full. Plus, they’re ridiculously versatile. You can throw them into rich winter stews, cozy curries, veggie burgers, or even cold salads. There’s a reason they are a massive staple in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian cooking - traditionally, you just pair them with some rice and you’ve got a perfect, deeply satisfying meal.

Even if you aren't trying to go fully plant-based, adding more lentils to your rotation is such an easy win. They’re basically a massive energy powerhouse - about a quarter of their makeup is pure protein, and they’re full of complex carbs, meaning you get that steady, slow-burning energy instead of a sugar crash an hour later. They also give you a massive hit of iron, B vitamins, and essentials like potassium and magnesium.

On top of all that, they do wonders for your gut. The high fibre content keeps everything moving smoothly and feeds your good gut bacteria, while the antioxidants help out with inflammation, blood sugar, and cholesterol.

Quick tip: If you want to mix things up for a winter salad, you can actually sprout brown lentils. Just soak them in a jar for 12 hours, drain them, and give them a quick rinse every day until they start sprouting. They turn into this super crunchy, nutrient-dense topping that adds a great texture.

At the end of the day, lentils are dirt cheap, incredibly good for you, and the ultimate winter comfort food. Definitely worth keeping a bag or two in the pantry.

For more information about lentils, drop into Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North Street, Batemans Bay. You can also call us on (02) 4472 9737 or visit us online at www.govitabatemansbay.com.au. Don’t miss our weekly segment on 2EC radio, where Marianne and Go Vita's Nutritionist Sofia chat about health and wellness with Kimmi Saker every Wednesday after 12.30pm.