This is not a diet. It’s a simple way to lose weight. And you don’t even have to give up the food you love or join a gym. You just follow some habits that thin people have. Keep them, and you’ll become thin.

Many health products advertised (广告) on TV say they can improve your memory. But only ordinary food and healthy habits have been shown to work.

A research team from University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) has made a four-step plan to improve your memory in just 14 days. “It sounds like another advertisement, but it really works,” says Gary Small, a professor from UCLA. The team found the four-step plan improved the memory of teenagers under stress (压力) and older people. Here’s the program:

Memory training:

Train yourself with memory exercises throughout the day.

Healthy diet:

Eat five rather than three meals a day but less food for each meal. The food should be rich in omega-3 , such as whole grains and vegetables with antioxidants (抗氧化剂).

Physical exercise:

Have some physical exercise such as walking, basketball or running every day. Physical exercise helps your brain stay sharp.

Managing stress:

Express your feelings instead of bottling them up. Make time for fun and relaxation. Stress is one of the brain’s worst enemies. It prevents you from thinking clearly and enjoying life.

After a two-week study that included memory exercises, physical training and diet changes, the memories of the people who’re tested improved by about 5%.

“We’ve known for years that diet and exercise can help people keep their physical health. This is a key part of healthy aging.” said Small. “But keeping mentally active is just as important. Now we have proved (证明) that people can improve their rnemories through a program of memory exercises and managing stress.”