Intentionally planning to eat snacks is NOT mindless eating. It's sensible, reasonable and well thought out eating. It's not mindless, in fact it's mindful. I don't know where I'd be without my snacks. Certainly not at goal! They keep me going. I can't stand that hungry feeling and do my best to avoid it. I eat frequently, otherwise I DO get grouchy and grumpy, not to mention lightheaded and woozy. Not good.
I personally never felt deprived giving up those high calorie foods. I felt deprived EATING them and REMAINING overweight. That to me was real deprivation. Not being all that I can be. Not being as fit as I could be. Not being as healthy as I can be.
I did make sure though, to not allow myself to get hungry and to eat DELICIOUS foods. That was and still is ESSENTIAL to me. So I knew I could no longer eat "those foods", but I found other delciious, absolutely delicious foods that were not only tasty, but nutrient rich and LOTS lower in calories. It takes some time to experiment and find new foods. Make it an adventure. You like Italian food? Try a wonderful fresh tomato sauce with mushrooms, peppers and onions served over spaghetti squash. Chicken marsala. Baked eggplant with sauce and light cheese. There's plenty out there. Be creative! Tweak your favorites and made them lower calories.
I am a real foodie. Without a doubt more now then before the weight loss. I'm eating SO much better fare. Better and finer and more unusual and varied.
As for the exercise, I'm still waiting for the endorphins to kick it. They only thing that I feel when my exercise is done - is relief - that it's over. But I do LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the fact that I do it. That I CAN do it and what it DOES for my body.
And I am very fortunate that along with the better eating, and the weight loss - came tons of new found energy. I would definitely try spreading out your calories more throughout the day. Eat those snacks. And make them high quality ones. That should help you. There is no reason to suffer.
Keep on switching up your plan as need be. When you see something's not working or to your liking, make a change. This should be enjoyable to you, not dreadful. Give yourself some time. It'll happen.