It’ll be easiest on your blender if you cut off the tops and then cut them in half. Make sure you’re using a clean knife and cutting board!

A chilled glass is even better – it keeps the smoothie from becoming runny too quickly. Keep one in the freezer for the next time a smoothie craving strikes without warning.

You can always blend everything else up and then see if your smoothie needs sugar. An excuse for a preemptive spoonful, really.

Another good alternative is a chilled glass – that way the glass acts as the ice and your smoothie stays a thicker, more filling consistency.

Then you may want to blend it on high for another 30 seconds to aerate. This will give it a bit of volume, too (read: more bang for your smoothie buck).