I AM fed up to my rear molars with conflicting advice on food, drink, and health being hurled at me by 'experts.'

Previously, some of the health gurus said that a teetotal vegetarian was likely to be in better condition than my pint-loving and meat-eating self.

Now I am told that some intake of alcohol will do me a power of good.

I am also told that red meat is rich in energy and oozing with essential protein.

Take it easy with the butter, they said; try the substitutes. So I tried and now have a deep loathing for the nauseous stuff. Give me butter every time.

Eggs were once on the hit list of things not to be eaten. To where has the danger gone? How did the hens suddenly acquire the ability to lay safe eggs?

If I paid heed to the endless torrent of directives regarding food, I would be consuming shoals of raw fish, washed down with sugar-free fruit juice, followed by half a pint of natural yoghurt.

Not likely! I like beef. I like eggs. I relish fatty bacon and adore black pudding.

Life is too short for worry or for stuffing olives.

Expert, heal thyself. I think that I am already dying with the help of too many of you.

RAYMOND NICHOLSON, Birch Hall Avenue, Darwen.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.