Regular cookies (they don't need to be chocolate chip) are high in sugar and refined white flower.
We can get back to sugar later. First, let's take a quick delve into the scary reality of refined white flower.
White flour health concerns
Whole grain contains 3 pieces. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which is certainly a good source of fibre, B vitamins and antioxidant, then there is the endosperm (the part most people haven't heard about!) this is the least valuable part of the grain, and predominantly consists of carbs. And finally, at the heart, there is the germ, containing healthy proteins, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've perhaps already guessed, the refining system that is used to make white flower chucks out the bran together with the germ and focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain which includes the very least nutritional value.
Flour, and ultimately cookies (as well as bread, and a variety of other foods) that is made from the endosperm is extremely detrimental to your health. Why then do they make it? Exactly why does refined white flour even exist? Because it stays fresh longer. And foods that have a longer sell by date generate a lot more profit. (which of course is far more important than our health, right!?)
Refined white flower can lead to a whole plethora of illnesses. Including but certainly not limited to: extra weight, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers, digestive function complications, the list never ends!
And the sugar....
Sugar has got such a bad rep already that I don't think I have to beat it down any more. We are all aware it's bad for us… but it makes things taste good, which means we carry on eating it.
An abundance of things taste just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are the ideal example. They are able to get their sweetness from healthy alternatives to sugar, including honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or maybe even chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are also made using whole wheat flower, which still includes all of the healthy parts of the grain, just as nature intended.
I also think that I need to point out that they actually taste much better too! Don't you think? To me at least, oatmeal cookies seem a lot 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 spot behind the pans! Far too good for kids!