Thanks for writing. I live in the south, near Netivot. I did the South Beach about 1 year ago and did well. I kept myself between phase 2-3 for 9 months, mostly phase 2, though. I fight to keep it down, but I lost the battle and gained 6 kilos - that's why I decided to do phase 1 again for 2-3 weeks. I don't know if it's OK- but I eat humous. Also I use rich's whipped cream. The kind that comes in the can. what do you think? Linda