[naravara]

>During times when I've been 100% sedentary for long periods, I experience overwhelming cravings for sugar and crappy foods.

This is very much a YMMV deal. I am like you in that when I train a lot my appetites for food become healthier leading me to crave more fiber and protein.

My wife, however, is the exact opposite. When she's sedentary she's fine eating whatever. When she's active and training she starts craving junk food and snacks which she has learned to use as a coping mechanism for stress.

I suspect this depends a lot about how you're socialized around eating. She grew up on processed food and her family used sweets and junk food as a rewards when she did well at things. In contrast, my mother regularly cooked from scratch and we only ever ate those "dopamine-hit" foods and snacks on special occasions so in my mind, those are more tied to times of year and social context rather than personal reward or fulfillment.