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However, some parents can't get their picky kids to take a bite out of anything more than an occasional bit of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Is the solution simply giving kids what they want in the hopes they'll get at least some calories? Well, sort of.

"Occasional dessert food is okay, but it's not a great idea to give your child free rein," says New York City nutritionist Shira Isenberg R.D. Isenberg says excessive calories coming from sugar and fat can lead to unnecessary weight gain. However, getting your child to eat the right food is easier said than done. "Most kids prefer eating foods that satisfy their sweet cravings much more than healthier foods that provide nutrients their growing bodies deserve," she says.

Here are four things you can try if your child is a picky eater:

Limit dessert-like foods to one or two each day. Keep the serving sizes relatively small.  A few cookies, a small slice of cake or a scoop of ice cream is enough. Your picky eater should eventually become hungrier and more willing to eat real foods during mealtime.

Try serving healthier dessert alternatives. For example, orange segments, banana slices and berries dipped in chocolate syrup; a slice of angel food cake topped with strawberries; or a banana split with one scoop of low-fat frozen yogurt or sorbet.

Arm them with knowledge. When your child is as young as 2 years old, you can begin to explain the importance of certain food groups. Make it simple and fun by incorporating games, taste tests and color drawings. A great idea is to hang a sticker chart on the fridge and reward your child each time she tastes a new food at a meal or eats a vegetable at dinner.

Don't get caught up with portion sizes. Kids have small eating capacities and the idea is to create willingness toward new food. Also, children are more apt to cooperate when they are rewarded. Try a fun sticker or another type of reward your child will enjoy.

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