fitness, nutrition, and weight loss

Question
In the last eight years (I'm 22), I've tried to maintain a lifestyle which includes daily aerobic exercise, with an every other day style of weight-lifting, etc.  My aerobic exercise is based in walking, which I do at least 5 days out of the week for at least 2 mi. at a time.  I also run at least 3-4 times per week (2-4 mi, 10 min. mi) and bike occasionally.  However, my puzzle is this: in the times when I have "taken a break" from running, and use walking as my exercise (4 mph), I notice my appetite decreases and I lose weight (inches, not just muscle weight). However, when running is a normal part of my work-out, my appetite ALWAYS increases, and I find myself going crazy trying to be satisfied at meals, and I usually end up having some sort of binge two or three times a week.  I have a feeling it's because of the increase in metabolism and the demands on my muscle and energy supply.  I've heard that if you burn fat, your body's natural reaction is to make you want to consume calories to counter-balance the fat lost.  
This is SO frustrating.  I would prefer to just walk for my exercise; it does me so much more good, but I'm in the military and running is a must.  I GAIN weight--fat weight, not just muscle weight-- when I'm running regularly.
Can you tell me what's going on, and how I can react in a good way to these things?  I'm tired of trying to maintain a good diet, the staples of which are fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and skim milk and yogurt products, only to find that it doesn't satisfy and my body craves MORE FOOD, no matter what I eat.

Answer
Dear D Cheak, sounds like you know your body very well. Try to increase your protein intake on running days along with extra fluids. Protein is a great appetite suppressant, plus your body can make carbohydrate from protein for extra energy needs. It's a different pathway, but will work all the same. Light tuna, egg whites, non fat dairy, or even a protein powder drink from the health food store can help. You will need extra fluid to flush the by-products through your kidneys, so drink up. Laura Kraemer,Slimkids.com

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