About the Book
The SSNF Framework
The book, written by Dr. May, a 77-year-old physician, presents a nutritional framework called SSNF (Soup, Salad, Nuts, Fruit). It argues that food is not merely “fuel” but information that instructs the body’s metabolism, hormones, and the biology of aging.
Biology over Willpower: The book moves away from conventional calorie counting or restrictive dieting, suggesting that diets fail when they fight physiology.
Metabolic Repair: The goal is to align the body with its biological design to naturally regulate weight, calm inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity.
The “Four H’s”: The framework targets four primary health risks: High blood pressure, High cholesterol, High glucose, and High stress.
Themes of the Book
Practicality and Accessibility: The diet is described as economical and easy to implement, even when traveling (the “Gate C12” rule) or for those who don’t like to cook.
Longevity and Function: The ultimate focus is on “health span”—years lived with vigor, mobility, and clarity—rather than just thinness.
GLP-1 Synergy: A significant portion of the manuscript discusses how the SSNF framework is the ideal companion for those on GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic), helping to preserve muscle mass and prevent side effects like “Ozempic face”.
Author’s Personal Success: Dr. May shares his journey of using this framework to reverse his own prediabetes, losing 15 pounds and achieving a “Real Age” of 52.
The Core System
Soup (The Foundation): Considered the “first technology of nutrition,” it hydrates and delivers nutrients in a highly digestible form that regulates portions naturally.
Salad (Structure and Diversity): Restores “friction” to eating through chewing, providing intact fiber that slows glucose absorption and supports the microbiome.
Nuts (Metabolic Restraint): Provides healthy fats, protein, and density to increase satiety and support brain health.
Fruit (Nature’s Farmacy): Offers sweetness with fiber and phytonutrients that can help “reprogram” fat cells and reduce visceral fat.
About the Author
Dr. May A Physician’s Journey
Dr. May received his undergraduate degree from Harvard. Magna Cum Laude in economics and Phi Beta Kappa. His medical degree was conferred by the Harvard Medical School and residency in Internal Medicine completed at the Massachusetts General Hospital.
Following residency, he joined the full-time faculty at the UCLA School of Medicine where he was Chief of Health Services Research at the Wadsworth Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Associate director of the Center for Health Enhancement at the School of Medicine and Director of Training in Emergency Medicine at the Veteran’s Administration facility. He was a founder and director of the Center for Health Enhancement at the School of Medicine. He continued teaching as a Clinical Associate Professor. Dr. May lives in Malibu. When residing in Beverly Hills he volunteered at the Saban Free Clinic supervising Cedars medical residents and UCLA students.
When he established his private practice in general internal medicine in the San Fernando Valley. He developed one of the largest practices employing six physicians and developing programs in integrative medicine. He served on the board of governors of Encino/Tarzana Medical Center.
Dr. May has authored a number of books including being the widely used textbook entitled “Primary Care Medicine.” Dr. May has published medical research articles, written for the popular press, appeared as a guest on television has lectured extensively both nationally and internationally. He has served as a consultant to pharmaceutical companies, law firms, charitable institutions, and the Board of Medical Quality Assurance. Dr. May was Chair of the Medical Board and as Executive Vice President for Medical and Scientific Affairs for Herbal Life International. He has been included in “The Best Doctors in America” since 1996.
Following Herbalife, he developed medical food and founded Physicians Therapeutics. He is on the board of the Longevity Playbook and serves as chairman of Signature MD’s advisory board.