Thai Chicken Lettuce wraps

 You know what isn't fun....loose teeth! Our oldest son, Lucca, has had his two front teeth loose for the past 2 months and it sucks.  For any PANDA parent, you know what I'm talking about.  For most kids, loose teeth typically means tooth fairy and silly smiles but with a PANDAS kid it also means some flare ups or just acting a bit "off".  Lately, Lucca has been a bit more emotional and clingy, higher energy, a bit harder for him to focus and having harder times falling asleep.  He is definitely still manageable and completely different from where he was in the past but it sucks to take a few steps back...even if it isn't consistent or everyday. Loosing any ground in this battle scares you as a parent. 

  Like most PANDAS parents, I researched. I found out it's pretty common that loose teeth can cause some issues or small flare ups.  Here's the thing, we have tons of bacteria in our mouth, including streptococcus mutans.  No one knows for sure if it is the gum inflammation that causes the flare ups, the bacteria/strep combo in the mouth (that enters through tiny holes with the loose tooth) or maybe it's both.  Then again maybe it's neither!  Either way it isn't fun and I just want the teeth gone already! Typically things get better once the baby teeth fall out.  I will say he tends to be a bit more "off" the more he wiggles the teeth and the more loose they become. The other issue is that one of Lucca's tics was grinding his teeth. All that grinding really jammed his baby teeth up there and I think it is making it harder for them to come out.  

  I'll admit I've been helping him wiggle his teeth.  I've been trying to work those little, and I mean little, suckers out but it is still taking forever.  I've been throwing in extra apples and carrots whenever I can. But he always seems to chew on the side instead of the front where the loose teeth are. Ugghhh!  I had to come up with a new plan to force him to use his front teeth and I wanted it extra crunchy. 

   These thai lettuce wraps were the perfect choice.  They have tons of crunchy veggies and he couldn't just use the side to chew. I had a plate piled high with different veggies and the kids loved choosing what they added to make their perfect wrap.  Kids love using their hands and they tend to eat better when they feel they have a choice.  The kids loved these and as usual we have none left.  I worry what's going to happen when these boys get older and I have to feed their larger stomachs.  Well, that's a future problem and I need to stay focused on these teeth damn it! Off to go wiggle those teeth again...clearly dinner wasn't crunchy enough!  

Thai Lettuce Wraps

Serves:4

Prep Time:20 minutes

Cook Time:20 minutes

Total Time:40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground chicken thigh
• 2 TBSP coconut oil
• 3 TBSP garlic, thinly sliced or chopped if you don't like huge chunks of garlic
• 3 TBSP fresh ginger, same as above
• 3 TBSP coconut aminos
• 1 TBSP cumin
• 2 tsp coriander
• juice of 1/2 lemon, approx 1-2 TBSP
• juice of 1/2 lime, approx 1-2 TBSP
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 head of lettuce with leaves carefully separated, Bibb, Iceberg or Romaine work well.  If you use iceberg, cut off stem and remove core, then submerge in ice water to help loosen leafs without tearing.

Garnishes/Toppings: you can use what ever you like but here are some options

• carrots, peeled and cut into thin strips
• cucumbers peeled, seeds removed and cut into thin strips
• red pepper, cut into thin strips
• red cabbage strips
• thinly sliced green onions
• fresh mint leaves
• fresh cilantro leaves
• thinly sliced jalapeños
• lime wedges to squeeze on top
• Chopped cashews
• favorite hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Wash and separate lettuce leaves.  Let dry.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.  
3. Add garlic and ginger to hot pan and stir for about 1 minute, be careful not to burn. 
4. Add ground chicken, separate with a spoon and cook on high until partially cooked through, about 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally. 
5. Add coconut aminos, lime juice, lemon juice and spices.  Continue to cook on medium/high until fully cooked, about 5-10 minutes. 
6. While the meat is cooking, cut up garnishes that you will be using. 
7. Layer meat and garnishes on lettuce, wrap and enjoy.