From Iceland — The Pros And Cons Of The Inevitable Bolludagur Stomach Ache

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Anna Manning

It's Bolludagur!

In certain parts of the world, ‘Lent’ (the forty days leading up to Easter) is a period of time when Christians give up certain comforts in the way that Jesus did before his crucifixion. Sure, Jesus wandered through the desert and most people give up chocolate, but it’s the thought that counts right?

Throughout the world, the days leading up to these forty days are a time to indulge your inner glutton before Lent begins. In Brazil it’s Carnival, in New Orleans it’s Mardi Gras, in the UK it’s Pancake Day, and in Iceland it’s Bolludagur. In Iceland we celebrate by eating cream puffs at work.

[Everything you need to know about Bolludagur]

There is a downside to Bolludagur, and it’s especially dire for the lactose-challenged: is the stomach-ache worth it? Below is a list of pros and cons to help you decide:

Pro	Con
They taste REALLY good There’s peer-pressure to join your colleagues in the festivities It’s traditional They come in various flavours, some even have chocolate whipped cream If you hold off until 13:00 or 14:00, chances are the stomach ache won’t kick in until you’ve gone home for the day	They have roughly a gazillion calories Any cool points you gain at work for participating, will vanish when the gas begins It’s physically impossible to only eat one Eating them too early in the day might result in a stomach ache so bad you need to leave work early

Pro

Con