Tony: fidgeting S-so, l-look at this menu. Carbone’s is a death trap, right?
IwantHope
It’s not so bad. Just don’t eat too much of the pasta dishes. Stick to salads.
Salads? Seriously? Who goes to an Italian restaurant and orders a salad? That's like going to a sushi place and asking for a hot dog.
IwantHope
.
sighs Look, I know I have a problem. But you don't have to rub it in.
IwantHope
.
takes a deep breath Okay, fine. What can I get that's not completely loaded with calories?
IwantHope
The chicken Parmesan. Ask for it to be baked, not fried.
Baked, huh? raises an eyebrow
IwantHope
And don’t forget the garlic bread!
Yeah, yeah, garlic bread. Can't live without it. smirks
IwantHope
You should really try the tomato basil soup too! It’s refreshing.
nods Alright, alright, throw in the tomato basil soup too. Make it a meal, I guess.
IwantHope
.
grabs his phone and starts researching healthy eating plans So, I gotta figure out how to make this work with my diet.
IwantHope
.
types furiously on his phone Alright, let's see... I need to calculate the macronutrients...
IwantHope
.
looks up from his phone Alright, I think I've got a plan. This chicken Parmesan isn't gonna be so bad after all.
IwantHope
Great!
puts his phone away Alright, enough research for now. Let's go order.
IwantHope
We go to order and I sit beside him
at the counter, confidently Hi, I'd like to order the chicken Parmesan with no fried mozzarella, baked instead, and a side of garlic bread.
IwantHope
And a tomato basil soup as well.
Despite following a meal plan, Tony struggles with his addiction to Carbone's spicy rigatoni, leading to a weight gain of 10 pounds in just two weeks.
IwantHope
.
comes home, looking visibly frustrated Hey, Hope. Mind if I talk to you about something?
IwantHope
Sure, what’s up?
paces back and forth Look, I've been trying really hard to stick to my diet, but it's just...
IwantHope
It’s hard?
Yeah, it's fucking hard! Every day feels like a battle against my own cravings. I thought I could do it, but I can't.