Regular cookies (they don't have to be chocolate chip) are filled with sugar and refined white flower.
We are going to get back to sugar later. First, let's take a quick delve into the frightening reality of refined white flower.
The problem with white flour
Whole grain consists of three sections. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which is certainly a terrific source of fibre, B vitamins and anti-oxidants, then there is the endosperm (the section that most people haven't heard about!) this is the least valuable part of the grain, and primarily consists of starch. Lastly, at the heart, there is the germ, which contains proteins, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've perhaps already guessed, the refining process which is used to make white flower throws out the bran together with the germ and just focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain where there is the very least nutritional value.
Flour, and then ultimately cookies (and also bread, and a whole range of other things) which is made from the endosperm is extremely hazardous to your health. Exactly why do they make it? Exactly why does refined white flour even exist? Because it keeps for a longer time. And products that don't go off so quickly make a lot more profit. (which of course is much more important than our well being, right!?)
Refined white flower can cause an entire plethora of ailments. Including but in no way limited to: gaining weight, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, digestive system problems, the list goes on forever!
And now the sugar...
Sugar seems to have such a bad rep already that I don't think I have to beat it down any more. Everyone knows it's bad for us… but it makes stuff taste good, thus we keep eating it.
Many things taste just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are the ideal example. They are able to get their sweetness from much healthier alternatives to sugar, for example honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or even chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are also made utilizing whole wheat flower, which still includes all of the good parts of the grain, exactly as nature intended.
I also believe that I should add that they actually taste better as well! Wouldn't you agree? To me at least, oatmeal cookies are far 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! Far too good for kids!