Sarah Ann Macklin: Founder & Host of the Be Well Collective

Introducing Sarah Ann Macklin, a renowned nutritionist who believes that the power of nutrition extends beyond elite athletes. With her expertise, she demonstrates how nutrition can positively impact the health and wellbeing of everyday individuals, bringing life-changing benefits to those dealing with conditions like diabetes. You can view Saran Ann Mackline at: Apple Podcast Link, Newsletter Sign up Link, & Sarah Ann Website.

Could you tell us about a crucial event that influenced your mental health journey?

One specific event stands out as pivotal in my life. Between the ages of 20 and 24, I made a significant decision to transition from a full-time modeling career to studying nutritional science in London. Struggling with the material, I confessed my difficulties to a professor who suggested I get tested for dyslexia. 

The dyslexia test confirmed my professor's suspicion and became a moment of revelation for me. It was the first time someone truly understood my struggles and helped me recognize my own strengths. This experience had a profound impact on my mental health journey, as I began to view dyslexia as a unique skill rather than a limitation. It led me on an entrepreneurial path where I found success by embracing my unique abilities.

This journey ignited my interest in how nutrition could support conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism, marking the beginning of my passion for mental health.

Who or what inspired you to undertake your journey, and who or what motivates you now?

Initially, my mother was my main inspiration and support. At 16, she encouraged me to leave my limited hometown of Portsmouth and explore the world in London. Her unwavering support gave me the courage to seize rare opportunities.

At 23, when I chose to pursue a less stable career in nutrition, my parents were concerned. Despite their worries, I followed my intuition and took a less conventional path. Back then, nutrition and mental health weren't as popular, but my intuition and purpose pushed me forward, and I was lucky to have mentors who believed in me throughout my journey.

What motivated you to establish the Be Well Collective, and how has it affected your life and the lives of others?

As I explored neurodiversity, I realized there's no straightforward path. Instead of meticulous planning, I trusted my intuition. In an industry filled with misleading health information, I absorbed flawed advice, exacerbating my own health problems.

This motivated me to study and share accurate information, recognizing the importance of understanding our unique bodies and minds. As I became more self-aware, I saw the connection between mental health and overall well-being. The Be Well Collective brings together diverse experts to provide knowledge and foster a sense of community, avoiding reliance on a single source. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being.

As a nutritionist, have you ever observed a significant transformation in someone's life? Could you share this experience with us?

The most meaningful transformation involved my father, a hardworking builder from Portsmouth. As you might envision, a bricklayer's diet consists of bacon sandwiches and beer in the evening. Despite his meat-centric diet and type two diabetes diagnosis, I managed to reverse his condition through dietary adjustments in just six months.

Witnessing this transformation in my own father brought a new perspective. It enlightened me on the significant impact of simple dietary changes and the power of a shifted mindset. I strive to provide this level of care to all my patients.

We often hear about the physical health benefits of a vegan lifestyle, but how does it impact mental health? Could you shed light on the advantages and potential drawbacks of adhering to a vegan diet?

A plant-based diet offers numerous health benefits, including reduced cholesterol and blood pressure, increased intake of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. However, it's essential to supplement certain nutrients on a vegan diet.

Vitamin B12 is vital for nerve and brain health. Since it's not sufficiently obtained from plant-based foods, a B12 supplement is highly recommended for long-term vegans. Omega-3, typically found in oily fish, can be supplemented with algae-based products for vegans, ensuring adequate intake of essential fatty acids.

These supplements are particularly important for vegans with conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia, as they support mental health while following a vegan lifestyle.

We understand that you're about to launch a new series and we're eager to learn more about it. Could you provide a brief overview of the series? Who are the prominent figures we can anticipate hearing from?

The series launches on May 17th, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week. It's entering its 10th season, combining health advice and storytelling.

The initial segment of the series is storytelling-focused, with exceptional guests like Reggie Yates, a fervent storyteller and filmmaker. You will also hear from scientists such as Dr. Sanjay Pander, renowned for delivering one of the most popular TED Talks of all time, and Dr. Mindy Peltz, the author of an insightful new book titled "Fast Like a Girl."

We also feature figures like Brian Johnson, an entrepreneur investing in longevity research with renowned professors from top institutions. We're excited to share this diverse lineup of extraordinary guests with you.

If you're currently grappling with mental health issues, what's one piece of advice that could assist you on this journey?

We all face mental health challenges, and it's important to support our brain, just like our body and muscles. Even without a diagnosed disorder, stress affects us all. If you need someone to confide in or seek support, I recommend visiting the Be Well Collective website.

They provide helplines, including 24-hour services and groups for specific communities. You can also join our monthly meetings. Opening up to friends may be difficult, but honesty is crucial. Sharing your story can inspire others to do the same and taking that first step is significant.