Regular cookies (they don't have to be chocolate chip) are filled with sugar and refined white flower.
We'll look at to sugar later. First, let's have a quick delve into the terrifying truth of refined white flower.
Why you should avoid white flour
Whole grain is comprised of three sections. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which is an excellent source of fibre, B vitamins and anti-oxidant, then we have the endosperm (the part the majority of people haven't heard about!) this is the least nutritional part of the grain, and mainly consists of carbs. Last but not the least, in the middle, there is the germ, consisting of proteins, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've perhaps already guessed, the refining method used to produce white flower does away with the bran together with the germ and focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain which has the very least nutritional value.
Flour, and then therefore cookies (and also bread, or a variety of other things) that is made from the endosperm is incredibly bad for your health. So just why do they make it? Why does refined white flour even exist? Because it stays fresh longer. And foods that keep longer make a lot more money. (which evidently is far more important than our health, right!?)
Refined white flower can lead to a whole multitude of ailments. Including but definitely not limited to: gaining weight, diabetes, heart disease, tumors, digestion complications, the list never ends!
And the sugar....
Sugar seems to have such a bad rep already that I don't think I need to beat it down anymore. We know it's bad for us… but it makes stuff taste better, hence we carry on eating it.
Plenty of things taste just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are the ideal example. They are able to get their sweetness from more healthy alternatives to sugar, such as honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or even chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are made utilizing whole wheat flower, which still includes all of the good parts of the grain, just as nature intended.
I also feel like I should point out that they actually taste better as well! Wouldn't you agree? To me at least, oatmeal cookies are 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 top secret hiding place behind the pans! Much too good for kids!