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Hey everyone! I have a few questions regarding protein/protein supplements. To give some background on myself: I've been working out 4-5 times a week for the past five weeks (this comprises of about 30-40 minutes of cardio and at least working on one muscle group per session). I've upped my protein intake through protein bars and just monitored what foods I'm eating. Even though I'm trying to eat as many grams of protein as I can, I also pay attention to my macros and try to attain 25%-35% of my daily intake through protein. Because I've realized how many grams of sugar most protein bars have, I've reduced the number of protein bars I've been eating and switched to ISO Dynamite Whey Protein. This supplement has been helping me get the protein I want/need in my diet. I try to ingest more protein on days I'm working out, and not as much on my off days. Also, I try to have a caloric deficit of 250-500 calories a day in order to achieve some weight loss. Even though my one of my smaller goals is to lose a few more pounds, I'm pushing more towards muscle toning and fat loss (even if this means I stay the same weight or not). So far, because of this protein intake for the past month, I have noticed that even though I'm the same weight, I've toned up a bit and I look/feel slimmer. Before I digress, my question to the community I guess regards protein storage. I've been reading a lot of mixed literature on the subject. Some articles claim that any unused proteins are converted in order to be used for non-protein functions (such as fat storage). Some articles claim that protein has no negative effects on fat storage, and it is beneficial (especially to athletes and people who are working out) to get as much protein as you can get. I guess the reason why I'm posting is because I want other people's opinions and experiences on the matter. I only have two friends who have been working out for years and have a very high protein diet, and they are very muscular with a lower fat percentage than most people. However, one of the reasons I'm still confused/curious about this is because they're both men, and I'm a woman, so the result could vary. Any advice or opinion on this will help, from anyone.