All Credits go to Leah Rocketto

Smoking and drinking daily were not part of weight loss success.

 You may roll your eyes when your mom — or even your grandmother — tries to give you advice. Their tips just seem so outdated and irrelevant. But there's one area in which their tips may be valid: diet and exercise.

Don't get me wrong: The '50s, '60s, and '70s had some major flaws and fads when it came to weight loss (the Cabbage Soup diet was as gross and ineffective as it sounds). But there are some tips from these decades that have proven to be effective and, best of all, doable.

Here are some old-school weight loss tips that have stood the test of time.

1. Work out with a group.

Who doesn't love a good Jazzercise session?

 Long before there were Miami club-inspired dance classes or sweat to death spin classes, there was Jazzercise. And before that, there was hula hooping.

The one thing these fitness fads have in common (aside from being fun): They're done in a group. According to NBC News, working out in a group keeps you committed and helps you achieve your goal.

"Workouts with others improve consistency because they involve a commitment," Dian Griesel, co-author of TurboCharged, told NBC News. "'No shows' and cancellations get noticed by others and positive peer pressure can help curtail the urges to skip a workout … or quit."

Additionally, studies have shown that working out with others pushes you to work harder and, thus, meet your goals sooner.

If the thought of going to a fitness class intimidates you, start small. Make a morning gym date with your friend or go for daily walks with your significant other.

2. Stock your fridge with cottage cheese.

Cottage cheese is packed with protein.

 Greek yogurt may rule the dairy aisle, but there is another item lurking on the shelves that may be more beneficial: cottage cheese.

According to NPR, cottage cheese hit the market in the 1950s and was a popular purchase until the mid-1970s, particularly among people trying to shed a few pounds. And for good reasons: It's low in calories and fat, high in protein, and very versatile. (Spread some on a bagel and sprinkle on some Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel seasoning. It'll change your life.)

Need proof? The United States Department of Agriculture notes that one serving of cottage cheese contained, on average, 90 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 13 grams of protein.

Perhaps it's time to put cottage cheese back on your grocery list.

3. Limit your sugar intake.

But be cautious of artificial sweeteners.

The 1960s saw the rise of artificial sweeteners, which provided the same taste at sugar but for fewer calories. Since their introduction to the market, however, artificial sweeteners have been linked to weight gain and even cancer.

Though the product may be problematic, the idea of reducing your sugar intake is not. Prevention reports that there are many benefits to cutting back on sugar, including an increase in weight loss and energy.

4. Eat minimally processed foods.

Whole foods really are better for you.

 Nowadays, we're in such a rush to get our foods fast that we opt for processed snacks and meals. Even those that are deemed "healthy" are packed with extra chemicals, salts, and fats — all things that lead to weight gain.

This wasn't an issue in the '60s and '70s when people mainly ate whole foods, according to Health. A diet rich in whole foods ensures that you're getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need and avoiding the problematic ingredients, as dietitian Rachael Hartley previous told INSIDER.

Of course, not all processed foods is bad, as the Washing Post reports. And even clean eating has its downsides, causing people to form an unhealthy relationship with food. Being mindful of keeping things balanced will go a long way in this instance.

5. Track what you eat.

But don't be obsessive about it.

 In 1963, the world was introduced to a diet that would prove to stand the test of time: Weight Watchers.

Over 50 years have passed, and Weight Watchers continues to be one of the most successful weigh loss programs. Part of that is due to the program's flexibility and focus on lifestyle rather than weight, according to Fast Company. But one of the other reasons people continue to success on Weight Watchers is that they have to track what they eat, a habit that becomes second nature to participants after a while.

In addition to making you aware of what you put in your body (or, in some cases, don't), Health reports that keeping a food diary can help you evaluate eating habits that may be hindering your weight loss journey. Do you eat to fill an emotional void? Do certain dining companions affect your choices? A diary can help you answer those questions and adjust habits.

That said, it's easy to become overly obsessive when you are tracking what you eat. Consider consulting a dietitian or doctor to learn how to keep a food journal.

6. Prepare your own meals — ideally, ahead of time.

Home cooked meals are much healthier.

Back in the day, married couples had specific roles: The man would work and the woman would tend to the house, which included cooking all of the meals. Although we don't want to go back to such oppressive times, there is something to be said about the health benefits that come with eating all home-cooked meals.

As with limiting processed foods, limiting take-out gives you control over ingredients and ensures you eat the freshest, most whole foods. .