One mistake that far too many people on weight loss diets get stuck thinking is that you cannot snack and maintain fat loss. Snacking is actually a great way to keep hunger levels under control so you are able to maintain more moderate sized meals - that is, provided your snacks do not get so out of control that often times they end up destroying your diet themselves.

Generally speaking, when looking for a smart snack you're ideal combination should be protein, some fat, with potentially a small amount of carbohydrates thrown in.

If you're on a very strict diet you could omit the carbs, as long as you are eating them at some point during the week so you can maintain your exercise levels.

Here are some smart snacks to consider.

Celery and Peanut Butter Rather Than A Cereal Bar

Cereal bars are traditionally high in carbs and contain very little protein (if any), and are quite low in fat. Secondly, they often also pack quite a bit of sugar, which is definitely something you're not going to want.

A smarter snack would be celery smeared with peanut butter - or whole grain crackers with peanut butter if you're allowed the extra carbs on your weight loss diet plan.

Fruit With Cottage Cheese Rather Than Yogurt

While yogurt is a decent snack, you can do better. By selecting real fruit adding to half a cup of cottage cheese instead, you'll increase your fiber intake, decrease your sugar intake (unless you're eating the sugar free variety of yogurt out there), and boost your protein intake.

Cottage cheese is actually one of the best sources of protein to eat while on a weight loss diet because it takes so long to digest.

Yogurt, while filled with healthy bacteria and calcium, won't control your hunger for quite the same amount of time.

Half A Can Of Salmon Over A Bed Of Lettuce Rather Than a Protein Bar

Protein bars are one option many people choose when trying to boost up their protein intake. While it's great to make a conscious effort of getting enough protein, this is not the best option as most are also very high in sugar and fructose - two things that will kill any weight loss plan fast.

You'd be far better off from a nutritional standpoint to instead go with a pure source of protein - salmon, which also has healthy fats added in with some Romaine lettuce for added nutrients.

Trail Mix Instead of Popcorn

Finally, the last substitution to consider for your snacks is trail mix rather than popcorn. While popcorn is good for being low in calories (provided butter isn't added obviously), it lacks protein.

If you instead go for a trail mix that contains nuts, you'll be getting both healthy fats and protein and will help keep yourself feeling satisfied for much longer.

Just do note that typically trail mix is higher in calories, so your portion size will likely be smaller.

So, consider these simple snacks next time you're looking for something to snack on with your weight loss diet.