Regular cookies (they don't need to be chocolate chip) are full of sugar and refined white flower.
We are going to look at to sugar later. First, let's take a quick delve into the alarming truth of refined white flower.
The reason white flour is bad
Whole grain is comprised of 3 pieces. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which happens to be a very good source of fibre, B vitamins and anti-oxidants, then there is the endosperm (the part the majority of people haven't heard of!) this is the least nutritional section of the grain, and primarily consists of starch. And finally, in the center, there is the germ, consisting of healthy proteins, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've possibly already guessed, the refining system that is used to make white flower disgards the bran as well as the germ and just focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain which includes the lowest nutritional value.
Flour, and then ultimately cookies (and also bread, and any number of things) that is made from the endosperm is very bad for your health. So why do they make it? Why does refined white flour even exist? Because it stays fresh longer. And products that have a longer use by date generate a lot more money. (which evidently is far more important than our well being, right!?)
Refined white flower can cause an entire host of health issues. Including but definitely not limited to: extra weight, diabetes, heart problems, cancers, digestive function difficulties, the list never ends!
Sugar
Sugar seems to have such a bad rep already that I don't think I need to beat it down anymore. Everyone knows it's bad for us… but it makes stuff taste good, and so we keep eating it.
Many things are just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are a fantastic example. They can get their sweetness from healthy alternatives to sugar, for instance honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or even chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are also made using whole wheat flower, which includes all of the healthy parts of the grain, just like nature intended.
I also believe that I need to say 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 top secret hiding place behind the pans! Way too tasty for kids!