Make sure your child eats healthy: use these 10 tricks to have your child requesting "more veggies, please".(nutritional facts for children)

If green is mean at your dinner table, your child's pickiness may keep him or her from getting essential nutrients. Studies show that 63 percent of children ages 2-9 don't consume the recommended 2 cups of fruits per day, and 78 percent aren't eating enough vegetables. Here's what you can do to help your child eat healthy:

serve a variety, but don't force it

Sure, broccoli and brussels sprouts are great nutritional sources, but baby spinach and romaine lettuce paired with a tasty low-fat dressing may go down easier with kids. Keep serving new foods even if your child doesn't eat them the first time, says Marilyn Tanner, pediatric dietitian at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, and avoid emotional scenes at the table.

start small

Serve unfamiliar foods with those you know your child likes so he or she isn't overwhelmed, recommends Bethany Thayer, a Detroit-based registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Just make sure nutrient-rich choices are eaten before second helpings of favorites.

serve foods with similar nutritional values

When offering a snack, provide the option of either an apple or a pear. (Don't mention unhealthy alternatives such as potato chips or cookies.) Either choice is healthy--and accept no substitutions.