I used to be SUPER strict when it came to my diet. All I ever wanted to do was be really lean. However, after extended periods of time with such a strict diet and never really getting to be as lean as I ever wanted, I just said to hell with it. I still eat very clean, and I won't eat shitty food (lunch cakes, doughnuts, etc). I do eat pretty much whatever I want though. If I feel like a bowl of Raisin Bran, I have it. If I want that extra peice of chicken, I have it. If I'd like to have a hamburger, I have it but on wheat toast.
I keep track of all my calories, and I do cardio 7 days a week so I don't think its that big of a deal. I'm not competeing or anything though either. It really just comes down to your goals and what you wanna do.