We are fans of both the regular and deluxe dining plan. Once we decide on a particular dining plan, it is because I have done the math for where we plan to eat and figured I will save money with the plan. At that point I stop thinking about "wasting" anything. I don't order dessert just because it is included if I don't want it and I don't worry about using a credit for a less expensive TS meal or even a CS meal. Now, if you need more credits than you have, then you should figure out the cheapest meals you have planned and pay for the cheapest ones OOP.
The dining plans are great, but should cause no stress: )