Regular cookies (they don't have to be chocolate chip) are high in sugar and refined white flower.
We can get back to sugar later. First, let's take a quick delve into the scary world of refined white flower.
The problem with white flour
Whole grain consists of 3 parts. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which is a fantastic source of fibre, B vitamins and antioxidant, next there is the endosperm (the section many people haven't heard of!) this is the least valuable section of the grain, and mainly consists of carbohydrates. Last of all, at the center, we have the germ, that has protein, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've possibly already guessed, the refining method which is used to make white flower does away with the bran and the germ and focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain that includes the very least nutritional value.
Flour, and ultimately cookies (as well as bread, or any number of things) that is made from the endosperm is very detrimental to your health. Why then do they make it? Why does refined white flour even exist? Because it keeps for a longer time. And products that have a longer sell by date generate much more profit. (which of course is much more important than our health, right!?)
Refined white flower can cause a whole multitude of health conditions. Including but definitely not limited to: gaining weight, diabetes, heart disease, tumors, digestive system problems, the list goes on and on!
Now for the sugar
Sugar seems to have such a bad rep already that I don't think I ought to beat it down any more. Everyone knows it's bad for us… but it makes things taste good, so we carry on eating it.
Many things are just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are a fantastic example. They can get their sweetness from more healthy alternatives to sugar, for instance honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or maybe even chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are also made with whole wheat flower, which still includes all of the healthy parts of the grain, exactly as nature intended.
I also feel I need to point out that they actually taste better as well! Don't you agree? To me at least, oatmeal cookies are a lot more indulgent and sophisticated than regular cookies… and don't get me started on oatmeal cookies with stem ginger! They always get the secret hiding spot behind the pans! Far too good for kids!