1. Gather Your Ingredients: First, lay out all your frozen berries, frozen banana, protein powder, and almond milk. Having everything ready makes the blending process seamless.

2. Combine Frozen Fruits: Add the 1 cup of mixed frozen berries and the 1/2 frozen ripe banana to your blender. The frozen fruit is key to achieving that thick, creamy smoothie bowl consistency.

3. Add Protein Powder and Liquid: Next, scoop in your 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder. Pour in 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk. Start with this amount; you can always add a tiny bit more if the mixture is too thick to blend.

4. Introduce Chia Seeds: Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. These will help thicken the smoothie bowl further and add a boost of healthy fats and fiber.

5. Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula a few times to ensure everything is incorporated. The consistency should be thick enough to eat with a spoon, not drink through a straw.

6. Pour into a Bowl: Once blended to perfection, pour the thick smoothie into your favorite serving bowl.

7. Add Your Favorite Toppings: Now comes the fun part! Arrange your optional toppings like fresh berries, granola, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup artistically over the smoothie bowl.

8. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your vibrant and nutritious berry protein smoothie bowl right away while it’s still cold and thick.