Need help with today's NYT Strands? Today's topic is “Smoothie Movement”

Below are the clues and answers for #172 First, a few clues will lead you to the full solution of Strands #172

WARNING: There are spoilers for Strand #172

The official theme for NYT Strands #172 is The Smoothie Movement”

And here's an unofficial tip from me: “The Science of Kitchen Appliances”

If you're still not sure, here's a handy word that gives you a valuable hint token:

Still having trouble? Spangram gives you a hint on conjunctions Today it starts with 'B' and ends with 'G'

Scroll down to see what it is

This is the blender setting

Now, what's the answer to today's strand?

Drumroll, please

Spangram was BLENDERSETTING

Strands #172

“Smoothie moves”

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Hello Strands fans! The puzzle was a nightmare for me, probably not helped by the fact that a) I didn't have a mixer, b) the spangrams didn't start and end at the end of the puzzle, and c) I was working in a very crowded Eurostar departure lounge Nonetheless, the use of the three clues is definitely unfortunate

When I saw the theme “Smoothie Movement” I immediately thought it would be a selection of fruits that go into smoothies However, after a literally fruitless search, I finally stumbled upon PULSE by accident

After failing to find anything like it, I reluctantly had to use a clue that presented the word CHOP Perhaps it was how to make a smoothie Having never made one, I had no idea, so I had to use another clue The “Q” in the upper left corner is part of LIQUEFY

But I was still stumped and eventually had to use an incredible third clue This time the WHIP was revealed and I was completely baffled Still, enough of the board had been covered at this point that I was able to somehow make tea out of the culinary terms I found a GRIND in the middle of the board, paving the way for a BLENDERSETTING spangram

All that remained was to decipher the EUERP anagram

I hope I'm not the only one struggling with this problem! If ever a Strands puzzle made me feel silly, this was it Hopefully I'll be back on track tomorrow

Are you reading this late in the day? The full article on Strands' solution to yesterday's game #171 can be found here