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 have a quick delve into the terrifying truth of refined white flower.
Why is white flour bad for you?
Whole grain is made up of three pieces. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which happens to be an awesome source of fibre, B vitamins and anti-oxidant, after that we have the endosperm (the part that a lot of people haven't heard of!) this is the least nutritional part of the grain, and mostly consists of starch. Last of all, at the heart, 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 disgards the bran along with the germ and just focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain which has the least nutritional value.
Flour, and ultimately cookies (and bread, and a whole range of other things) which 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 stay fresh for longer make a lot more profit. (which evidently is way more important than our well being, right!?)
Refined white flower can cause an entire host of health issues. Including but certainly not limited to: gaining weight, diabetes, coronary disease, tumors, digestion problems, the list continues!
The sugar
Sugar gets such a bad rep already that I don't think I have to beat it down anymore. We are all aware it's bad for us… but it makes stuff taste better, so we keep eating it.
A lot of things are just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are a great example. They get their sweetness from more healthy alternatives to sugar, including honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or maybe even chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are also made using whole wheat flower, which includes all of the healthy parts of the grain, exactly like nature intended.
I also feel that I ought to say that they actually taste better as well! Don't you think? To me at least, oatmeal cookies are much 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 at the back of the pans! Far too good for kids!