Regular cookies (they don't need to be chocolate chip) are loaded with sugar and refined white flower.
We'll get back to sugar later. First, let's have a quick delve into the horrifying truth of refined white flower.
Why white flour is bad
Whole grain consists of 3 pieces. From the outside moving in we have the bran, which happens to be an awesome source of fibre, B vitamins and anti-oxidants, then we have the endosperm (the section that most people haven't heard of!) this is the least valuable part of the grain, and mostly consists of starches. Last of all, at the center, we have the germ, that has proteins, minerals, fat and more B vitamins.
As you've perhaps already guessed, the refining procedure that is used to produce white flower throws out the bran along with the germ and just focusses on the endosperm. The part of the grain where there is the very least nutritional value.
Flour, and ultimately cookies (or bread, or a variety of other things) which is made from the endosperm is incredibly damaging to your health. Exactly why 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 more money. (which evidently is way more important than our health, right!?)
Refined white flower can cause a whole host of health conditions. Including but definitely not limited to: gaining of weight, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers, digestive system difficulties, the list never ends!
The sugar
Sugar has got such a bad rep already that I don't think I have to beat it down anymore. Everyone knows it's bad for us… but it makes things taste better, hence we carry on eating it.
Many things are just as good without sugar too. Oatmeal cookies are a good example. They are able to get their sweetness from healthier alternatives to sugar, for example honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, raisins, or maybe even chocolate!
Oatmeal cookies are made using whole wheat flower, which includes all of the good parts of the grain, just as nature intended.
I also feel that I should say that they actually taste much better as well! Don't you think? To me at least, oatmeal cookies seem 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 spot behind the pans! Way too good for kids!