You shouldn't need cheat days.
Think about it from your body's perspective: It's subjected to a strict diet for 6 days, then all of a sudden comes one day full of calories and alcohol and whatnot, then back to the strictness. It throws off the balance, and for most, it can mess up the metabolism, which will affect the ability to burn off those extra calories. You are basically putting your body in starvation mode, then giving it a ton of food - so it's like "OMG I'm finally getting noms, I must store it, because lord knows when I'll get them again!" Which is the exact opposite of what you're trying to do.
A healthy diet doesn't mean deprivation - in fact, if you feel deprived, you are not going to stick to the diet for long, and probably will follow with a major binge period (not just one day). Then you over-restrict again, give up because you're so unhappy and deprived, and binge again. Sound familiar? I've seen multiple people end up with weight gain and even thyroid problems thanks to this yo-yo dieting cycle. This is why I'm totally against most fad/crash diets, cleanses, and fasts, because your body reacts the exact same way as it does with "cheat days", just over longer time periods.
It is quite possible to eat what you want, when you want, and still lose weight; it's just a matter of the amount you eat (Learn how to start here). We feel like we have to eat "healthy" 100% of the time when trying to make changes to our lifestyle. We feel guilty when we do indulge in something or give into a craving. The thing is, it really is ok to eat "regular" food - and you shouldn't need to designate a special day to do it! A cookie or slice of pizza here and there isn't going to derail your progress, those things are a drop in the bucket compared to all the other positive changes and choices you make daily. So don't feel guilty, eat in moderation, and you will be happier and healthier overall. =)
Happy Noms!
Nami
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