Regular cookies (they don't need to be chocolate chip) are high in sugar and refined white flower.
We are going to talk about to sugar later. First, let's take a quick delve into the frightening reality of refined white flower.
Why white flour is bad
Whole grain is made up of three sections. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which happens to be a very good source of fibre, B vitamins and antioxidant, next there is the endosperm (the part that many people haven't heard of!) this is the least nutritional section of the grain, and predominantly consists of starch. Last but not the least, at the center, we have the germ, containing proteins, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've perhaps already guessed, the refining method used to make white flower throws out the bran together with the germ and focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain that comes with the very least nutritional value.
Flour, and then ultimately cookies (or bread, or a variety of other foods) that is made from the endosperm is very damaging to your health. Why then do they make it? Why does refined white flour even exist? Because it stays fresh longer. And foods that don't go off so quickly generate a lot more money. (which of course is significantly more important than our well being, right!?)
Refined white flower can lead to a whole plethora of diseases. Including but definitely not limited to: weight gain, diabetes, heart conditions, cancer, digestive function problems, the list never ends!
The problem with sugar
Sugar has got such a bad rep already that I don't think I ought to beat it down anymore. We are all aware it's bad for us… but it makes things taste better, which means we carry on eating it.
Loads of things are just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are a great example. They can get their sweetness from healthier alternatives to sugar, for example honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or maybe even chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are made with whole wheat flower, which still includes all of the good parts of the grain, just like nature intended.
I also feel that I need to point out that they actually taste much better too! Wouldn't you think? To me at least, oatmeal cookies are far more indulgent and sophisticated than normal cookies… and don't get me started on oatmeal cookies with stem ginger! They always get the top secret hiding spot behind the pans! Far too good for kids!