Regular cookies (they don't have to be chocolate chip) are high in sugar and refined white flower.
We'll get back to sugar later. First, let's take a quick delve into the alarming reality of refined white flower.
White flour is bad for you
Whole grain is made up of 3 pieces. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which is a terrific source of fibre, B vitamins and anti-oxidants, then there is the endosperm (the section that many people haven't heard of!) this is the least valuable part of the grain, and mostly consists of carbs. And finally, at the heart, there is the germ, which incorporates proteins, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've probably already guessed, the refining system that is used to produce white flower chucks out the bran and the germ and focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain which contains the very least nutritional value.
Flour, and ultimately cookies (as well as bread, and a whole range of other foods) which is made from the endosperm is very bad for your health. So just 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 more money. (which evidently is much more important than our health, right!?)
Refined white flower can lead to an entire host of health conditions. Including but definitely not limited to: an increase in weight, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, digestive difficulties, the list never ends!
Now for the sugar
Sugar has got 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 things taste good, thus we carry on eating it.
Lots of things are just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are the ideal example. They get their sweetness from healthier alternatives to sugar, like honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or maybe even chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are also made with whole wheat flower, which still contains all of the healthy parts of the grain, just as nature intended.
I also feel that I should add that they actually taste better as well! Don't you think? To me at least, oatmeal cookies are 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 at the back of the pans! Far too tasty for kids!