Not sure what the research (if any) says, but I'm guessing that the majority of folks have to start eating less sometime in the 20s or 30s. For me, it was sometime in my 20s. It was annoying, for many years - having been so spoiled in my teens and very early 20s. You finally get more used to it.
If you're approaching an eating problem, then of course nothing that I say below will (or should) help. If not, maybe some of it will.
It's not clear from what you wrote whether you ever gain weight? Do you do what you do - which sounds unpleasant - because you quickly put on weight if you don't? If not, you should definitely stop worrying about it immediately.
And what's the goal? Are you trying to look as lean as possible? Are you trying to be as light as possible for running performance?
Stop counting calories. Look at yourself in a mirror. Or, belly folds not getting any bigger? Then you're fine. Or, maybe weigh yourself. Don't put on weight easily? Stop worrying.
My guess is that, at your age, if you became significantly less concerned about calories (to include a splurge here or there), you might put on 5 pounds or so. Would that noticeably impact your speed? No. So find a better balance than you currently have.