yes protein can be stored as fat but not nearly as easily and quickly as carbs or fat. the general rule of thumb for protein is 1 grams per 5 lbs of lean mass is how much you can digest in one sitting. so if you are 180 lbs @ 15% fat = 153 lbs lean mass. 153 divided by 5 times = 31 g protein. that how much you can digest in one sitting.