I lost my weight on 1500 calories a day, ALWAYS (well almost) having a 'free day' on the weekend. I started out with two free days (back when I was 168), and cut it down to one. I still do it, and eat a clean 1800-2K calories the rest of the week. I think it helped me from dropping my metabolism down too low so I can maintain at 120-something and have 1800 calories+/day. Keep in mind, however, that while I was lowering carbs, my weight loss phase still was 40% carbs so a carb count didn't effect me either way.

My free days aren't binges, but they are pretty durn free. (and considerably higher carb/fat/calories :P)