In a bulking phase now, I try to stick to a 750-1000 calorie surplus but on the days where I binge eat 4000-5000 calories (1500-2500 surplus apx) calories once or twice a week I typically get a bit more recovery and and that is usually when I seem to hit new measurement and lift PRs so far been doing this for 5 weeks and am up 15lbs while only adding 1/4 inch or so to my waist. Arms up an inch, thighs up about 1.5 inch, chest up 2 inches etc.
So if we call those binges cheat meals, they definitely help gains on a bulking phase. I plan on cutting down on weed so I don't binge as much and making them more controlled and strategic. On a cut thou, not fucking way! I tried that and all it did was slow shit down and draw out the pain lol.