It's a new year once again. The number one New Year's resolution that people make year after year is to lose weight. I'm sure you have seen and heard countless television and radio advertisements about how to lose weight quick. As well as read posts on social media from people declaring, "New year, new me."

This time of the year, it is easy to fall into the diet trap. People start going on crazy crash diets and work out for hours in the gym. This is neither good for your body or self-esteem.

Instead, in 2016, I am making a commitment to treat my body kindly and become more body positive.

One of my favorite quotes is, "Life is too short to spend another day at war with yourself." It is so true. Why would you want to live a life where you're miserable and hating yourself? I have spent years picking myself apart in the mirror, chastising myself for ordering dessert and I still have trouble shopping for clothes. However, this year I am making a real effort to change my attitude about how I look and feel in my skin. I believe that being positive comes from treating your body right. You can accept your body instead of trying to change it and love your body and treat it well by following these steps.

1. Exercise to relieve stress and feel good, not just to burn "X" amount of calories.

Exercising is much easier when you do it for fun, instead of just trying to look "better." That logic sets you up for failure. That is because when you don't see results immediately, you give up and go back to old habits.

2. Focus on the important things in life rather than what you look like.

All the minutes or hours spent worrying about your appearance can be put to better use.

3. Believe in yourself and think positively.

It's the same logic that if you believe you will fail a test, you probably will. So, believe in yourself and your goals!

4. Don’t restrict yourself.

Diet restrictions, whether it is a calories goal or avoiding a certain food, is a recipe for disaster because if you deprive yourself of something you only crave it more.

5. No deadlines or goal weights.

The best way to keep a diet and exercise routine is to make it a lifestyle change. That will make eating healthy and exercising a way of life instead of seeming like a chore.

6. Stop obsessing over calories.

One healthy or unhealthy meal won't make or break a diet. So don't sweat it when you decide to treat yourself. Treat your body kindly. If you're hungry, then eat. If you're full, then stop.

7. Don't compare yourself to others.

Everyone is different and beautiful in his or her own way.

8. Size does not define you.

The size of your jeans will never measure how funny, kind, smart or loved you are.

9. You're not perfect and that's OK.

No one expects you to be or look perfect because no one is perfect.