Cereals marketed toward children have changed over the past 13 years – lacking nutrition and increasing sugar, fat, carbohydrates and sodium with a decrease in protein and fiber, according to a JAMA Network study.

Dr. Stephen Cook, of Nationwide Children's Hospital says parents need to show some tough love when it comes to handling pushback from children who want a sugary fix.

Research in the study found that snacking during the day, also known as grazing, is not recommended. Children will be hungry for meals if they don't snack on unhealthy food.

“This is what we're having, and you can choose to eat it or not,” said Dr. Cook, giving advice on how to get children to eat healthier foods.

Nutritionists say to not buy pre-packaged foods and beverages with ingredients such as sugar, caffeine and artificial coloring. A shorter list of ingredients means a lower chance of containing signal chemicals and other junk.