Cindi Lockhart
I believe we don’t have to fall victim to our family’s genes. If we did, I would be up a major creek! We have the power to direct our health destiny by the choices we make in life – what, when, and how we eat, how we move our bodies, when and how we sleep and manage stress, as well as what toxins we expose ourselves to on a daily basis. It’s these lifestyle factors that turn our genes on or off. I’m here to provide you hope and results as we navigate your health journey together.
How I got started
Growing up I was overweight, fatigued and struggling with irritable bowel syndrome. My diet consisted of packaged, ultra-processed foods. Our vegetables came from a can! When I was 16 years old, I had a tonsillectomy that resulted in weight loss. Seeing that I actually had muscle beneath my fat was enough to inspire me to abandon the unhealthy habits I had learned and start exercising regularly and preparing my own nutritious meals with ‘real food’.
As happy as I was about my new lease on life, I was even more ecstatic when I learned I could make a career out of helping others do the same thing for themselves.
I received my degree in Dietetics from the University of Illinois-Urbana in 1991 then began my career as a hospital-based Registered Dietitian. While doing so, I ran a side gig of in-home personal training as I knew how much nutrition and exercise, together, impacted one’s health. Six years later, I decided to create my first personal practice, teaching fitness and nutrition to individuals and small groups, as well as creating and running successful large group classes and wellness events.
It was during this time I realized the conventional education I received in school wasn’t cutting it, both personally and professionally. My clients weren’t getting the results I felt they should and my own health began to suffer. I was in my early 30s when I had my son and started experiencing every symptom of hypothyroidism. Even though I was having a difficult time just existing in my current life, my conventionally-trained doctor refused to treat me. He told me I would just need to ‘deal with it’.
I wasn’t willing to accept that answer for my remaining 50+ years. So, I began my training in the field of Integrative and Functional Nutrition and Medicine, and through it was able to holistically manage my condition and feel like I truly got my life back. And guess what?? My clients started getting results, too!
One of my professional approaches is to implement specific protocols and experiments on myself to best understand and emphathize what my clients are feeling. Through functional lab testing along with targeted nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle adjustments, we can reclaim our life and vibrancy. Some of these personal experiments have involved my own adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, pre-diabetes, long COVID, a clotting disorder leading to a 2 foot blood clot in my leg, mold toxicity, and menopause (Oofda – that’s a big one!).
I took a 10-year break from self-employment when I moved from Illinois to Minnesota, working there in a variety of management and education roles for one of the country’s largest premiere health and fitness clubs. But, I found I missed helping clients on a day-to-day basis and well as being an entrepreneur, so I decided to go back into business for myself — that’s when Lockhart Wellness Solutions was born.
Why I love what I do
Seeing and hearing the results from my clients is what brings me to work every day. There’s nothing better than a client telling me for the first time in years they can sleep through the night, have consistent energy throughout the day or no longer suffer from the symptoms that plagued them for years.
Many years ago, I vowed never to fall victim to my family’s genes, which are plentiful. And I’ve vowed to empower and inspire my clients to do the same so they can live the life they deserve, to its fullest.
Along with my professional ‘virtual’ practice, I create and present a multitude of continuing education courses, workshops, conferences, week retreats, and comprehensive programs to healthcare practitioners like MD’s, NP’s, PA’s, PT’s, RN’s, RD’s, etc. I also do public speaking events for various professional and community groups.
I’m not going lie, living a healthy life is a commitment — this often involves a mindset shift. Think of your nutrition and lifestyle adjustments as an investment in your health so you get the results you deserve. I understand the changes and challenges we endure over our lifespan and am here to support, inspire and empower you to take control of your health’s destiny.
More about me personally
I live in Minnesota with my amazing husband of 33 years, Dennis, and our playful and devoted dog, Mick. Our son Alec lives and works in MN as well. We love to be out in nature, which was the main selling point of our current home — 36 acres of red pines, trails, wetlands and wildlife that we (our dog included) love to enjoy as much as we can.
I’m an educational junkie, so when I’m not outdoors you’ll often find me with a book or article in hand, at a conference or class, or completing a new online certification. I also spend my time experimenting in the kitchen and the gym — how can I help guide others if I haven’t tried the recipes and workouts myself? But don’t worry – my motto for both areas is that ‘less is more’: healthy foods should be quick and easy, while exercises should take minimal time with maximum impact.
