Regular cookies (they don't have to be chocolate chip) are high in sugar and refined white flower.
We will talk about to sugar later. First, let's take a quick delve into the alarming world of refined white flower.
Why white flour is bad
Whole grain is comprised of 3 pieces. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which is a very good source of fibre, B vitamins and anti-oxidants, then there is the endosperm (the section a lot of people haven't heard about!) this is the least valuable part of the grain, and mainly consists of carbs. Finally, in the middle, there is the germ, that has healthy proteins, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've probably already guessed, the refining system which is used to produce white flower does away with the bran as well as the germ and focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain which includes the lowest nutritional value.
Flour, and then therefore cookies (and also bread, and an assortment of other things) which is made from the endosperm is very hazardous to your health. So why do they make it? Why does refined white flour even exist? Because it keeps for a longer time. And products that keep longer make much more money. (which of course is significantly more important than our health, right!?)
Refined white flower can cause an entire host of diseases. Including but in no way limited to: an increase in weight, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, digestive problems, the list goes on forever!
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 stuff taste better, thus we carry on eating it.
Lots of things are just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are a fantastic example. They get their sweetness from much healthier alternatives to sugar, like honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or maybe even chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are also made with whole wheat flower, which includes all of the good parts of the grain, just like nature intended.
I also believe that I should point out that they actually taste better as well! Don't you think? To me at least, oatmeal cookies seem a lot more indulgent and sophisticated than normal cookies… and don't get me started on oatmeal cookies with stem ginger! They always get the secret hiding spot at the back of the pans! Way too good for kids!