What happens if you are in a cut, and on a lifting day, eat more than what you usually do by about 500 calories, but not enough to hit "maintanence" level? Will this aid in recovery at all or make very little difference in the long run? What about other muscle groups that are still recovering? Will those be affected?

I think it's a good idea. In fact get some of those extra calories from carbs.

You need a little extra nutrition after weight training. 500 calories won't kill your progress.

you shouldn't really be more than 500 below maintenence AND training anyway should you?
so eating those 500 "extra" should take you to maintenence, not keep you below it

feel free to correct me if I'm wrong btw

I spent my last two months at 500 below maintenance and training hard. I had the protein to support it and my body made up the difference from my fat storage.

you shouldn't really be more than 500 below maintenence AND training anyway should you?
so eating those 500 "extra" should take you to maintenence, not keep you below it

feel free to correct me if I'm wrong btw

There is nothing wrong with shooting for 1.5-2 pounds a week, especially if you've got a little extra weight to lose. A combination of training and diet should often both be utilized to achieve this deficit.:D

thought the best way was 500 cals less a day and 500 cals exercise a day (7000 cals a week = 2lb fat)

I'd think it would help you grow without having a noticeable impact on your fat loss goals. I mean, at worst it's only 1/7th of a lb for the week setback in progress, right?

M@