Regular cookies (they don't need to be chocolate chip) are loaded with sugar and refined white flower.
We are going to talk about to sugar later. First, let's take a quick delve into the terrifying reality of refined white flower.
White flour is not good news... here's why
Whole grain consists of three pieces. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which happens to be a great source of fibre, B vitamins and anti-oxidants, then there is the endosperm (the part the majority of people haven't heard about!) this is the least beneficial part of the grain, and primarily consists of carbs. Lastly, at the heart, we have the germ, which includes proteins, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've perhaps already guessed, the refining system which is used to produce white flower chucks out the bran and the germ and just focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain with the lowest nutritional value.
Flour, and then therefore cookies (or bread, and a whole range of other foods) which is made from the endosperm is extremely hazardous to your health. So just why do they make it? Why does refined white flour even exist? Because it lasts longer. And products that stay fresh for longer make more profit. (which evidently is far more important than our health, right!?)
Refined white flower can lead to a whole multitude of diseases. Including but definitely not limited to: fat gain, diabetes, hypertension, cancers, digestive complications, the list goes on and on!
Sugar
Sugar gets such a bad rep already that I don't think I need to beat it down any more. Everyone knows it's bad for us… but it makes stuff taste good, and so we keep eating it.
Plenty of things are just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are a great example. They get their sweetness from healthy alternatives to sugar, for example honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or even chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are made using whole wheat flower, which includes all of the healthy parts of the grain, just as nature intended.
I also feel that I ought to add that they actually taste better as well! Wouldn't you think? 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 spot behind the pans! Much too tasty for kids!