I use thermogenics when I get to about 9-10% bodyfat. The thing is, that realistically, they don't work because they are "thermogenic"... they work because they are a stimulant. Caffeine is a calorie-free way to help speed up your metabolism. And where they aren't quite the miracle pills they were when they offered ephedrine, they serve a purpose eventually. Lipo-6 black and hydroxycut are decent brands... but you have to keep in mind that (as with anything), you shouldn't be overdoing the stimulants. And like CFD said, they are not magical pills, and cannot replace proper diet and routine. They will help enhance a little as things get harder in those low B/F numbers.
As far as the cheat meal, I never subscribed to eating almost nothing the day after either. I shoot for a 500 cal/day deficit. And if my cheat meal adds an entire 1000 calories to my daily intake, you're STILL at a 350 cal/day deficit for the week
You'll STILL burn fat! And that's a pretty sizable cheat meal! For me, that means I'm eating one cheat meal that's bordering on 1600-1700 calories by itself. Not hard to do, but still...
For me, I do cheat meals that really aren't even that bad. I go out and have a steak and potatoes at some place out in town (sirloin is a nice lean cut), or get sushi. Something extra that still supports my needs. And everyone considers a cheat meal something different. For me, a cheat meal is anything I didn't prepare myself
Most people that don't prepare their own healthy food, don't really understand just how filling it can be with very few calories. For example...
8 oz chicken (which is quite a bit)
2 cups brown rice
1 cup broccolli
640 calories total
60g protein
75g (ish) of carbs
6g of fat
Eat that one time and try to tell me you're not full!
In hindsight... just 2 pieces of large pizza hut meat lovers pizza will put you at almost 1000 calories!!