Overindulging once a week

[Whogivesasam]

So I'm keeping an 1800 daily calorie diet. But I do it so that every week I just have to meet a 1800x7 calorie quota. So if I eat 2000 calories one day, I'll eat 1600 the next day.
I'm seventeen years old, 5'10" and am about 170 pounds. I am in the final stages of cutting, but I've had moments where I'll just completely binge. Like today I was at a potluck and ate probably 2000 calories worth of food... I don't know why I do this because it only destroys me after....

So do you guys have tips on dieting appropriately? I'm not counting macros specifically, but I generally eat healthy and cut soda and chips and unhealthy foods from my diet.

[MontavonM]

So I'm keeping an 1800 daily calorie diet. But I do it so that every week I just have to meet a 1800x7 calorie quota. So if I eat 2000 calories one day, I'll eat 1600 the next day.
I'm seventeen years old, 5'10" and am about 170 pounds. I am in the final stages of cutting, but I've had moments where I'll just completely binge. Like today I was at a potluck and ate probably 2000 calories worth of food... I don't know why I do this because it only destroys me after....

So do you guys have tips on dieting appropriately? I'm not counting macros specifically, but I generally eat healthy and cut soda and chips and unhealthy foods from my diet.

Don't forget to incorporate your cardio into the measure. For example if you're maintence is 2000 cal/day and your aiming for 1700, you're good. If you eat 2200 in one day, you can always get on the treadmill and burn off extra calories (assuming this treadmill I'm speaking of isn't incorporated in your daily routine, if it is, then you can do it again). It isn't hard to burn 400-500 calories in an hour doing cardio. Calories in v.s calories out.

[nlevy12]

At your age and stats, I would bulk for a couple years at least. At 17, this is perfect time to pack on as much muscle as you can, and I wouldn't even track calories or macros. Just eat what you want and lift heavy, and you'll see great results!

[loganhart]

Don't forget to incorporate your cardio into the measure. For example if you're maintence is 2000 cal/day and your aiming for 1700, you're good. If you eat 2200 in one day, you can always get on the treadmill and burn off extra calories (assuming this treadmill I'm speaking of isn't incorporated in your daily routine, if it is, then you can do it again). It isn't hard to burn 400-500 calories in an hour doing cardio. Calories in v.s calories out.

Using cardio to supplement poor nutrition practises? Bad idea.

OP, I would not advise going weekly with your calorie counting like this. Muster up some discipline and eat at a daily consistent number. If bingeing becomes something you cannot control, consider seeking out a physician as you may have an eating disorder.

Lastly... Bulk!

[softpounder]

At your age and stats, I would bulk for a couple years at least. At 17, this is perfect time to pack on as much muscle as you can, and I wouldn't even track calories or macros. Just eat what you want and lift heavy, and you'll see great results!

^ This.

[gbullock32]

At your age and stats, I would bulk for a couple years at least. At 17, this is perfect time to pack on as much muscle as you can, and I wouldn't even track calories or macros. Just eat what you want and lift heavy, and you'll see great results!

This is good advice, I cut and got a little obsessed with calories as a teen and it did not end well; bulk while your body is set to grow, you can make some incredible progress at your age.

[brandonbourgoin]

Oh so you mean cheat day? Don't get into that habbit especially so young. You'll end up like me who was knocking calories down daily until I hit around 900 cals so I could eat whatever I wanted on the weekend. Just up your calories daily and you won't feel the need to cheat.

[Whogivesasam]

Wow okay, thanks for the tips guys.
So instead of worrying about my calorie intake, should I just eat whatever I want?
Then what should be my rule of thumb when I'm eating?
If I let myself eat whatever I want to without keeping tabs, I feel like I'll eat way too unhealthy/much.

[softpounder]

Wow okay, thanks for the tips guys.
So instead of worrying about my calorie intake, should I just eat whatever I want?

Yep, just make sure you are eating your veggies and meat, as micros/fibers are very important, and protein as well since you want them muscle to stay (during a cut, aka muscle retention).

Then what should be my rule of thumb when I'm eating?
If I let myself eat whatever I want to without keeping tabs, I feel like I'll eat way too unhealthy/much.

Eat what you want, and aim to lose 0.5-1lb per week (since you're at the final stage of cutting, too much of a deficit would actually cause some harm since you've been cutting for a while), and keep things in moderation. Don't stop yourself from eating a slice of cake your mom baked. Eat it but make sure you will eat less for the rest of the day too.