02.22.10

A lot has changed since I first hit the stage. As a new mom, my focus shifted from the spotlight to my little audience of one - David. As I try to do the best for my son and myself, I definitely strive to live a healthy lifestyle and make smart diet and exercise choices.

By serving milk, you know you're doing something good for everyone in your family. So, when they asked me to join the Milk Mustache Campaign, I was excited to encourage other moms to set the table with milk everyday since it provides nine essential nutrients that we all need.

In talking with people behind the milk campaign, I learned that African Americans can be at higher risk for certain conditions, and are less likely to get the Vitamin D that's important for good health. And research suggests, they may be less likely to drink milk, despite evidence that significantly fewer African-Americans are lactose intolerant than previously believed. So, I wanted to help spread a positive message about the importance of starting healthy habits with your family that can last a lifetime - like drinking lowfat milk.

As my son grows up, I want to be a good role model in everything I do. At times, that can seem overwhelming with my busy schedule, but I'm thankful that there are little steps I can take - like showing him that I drink milk myself - that will help establish healthy lifelong habits.

Speaking of that busy schedule, I've got to get back to my little one. It's snack time - a bottle for my son and a glass of milk for me.

About the Author

With her high-powered soulful style, 28-year-old Jennifer Hudson has already achieved feats that are reserved for most young signers' dreams. The former "American Idol" contestant nabbed a much-deserved Academy Award for her unforgettable role as "Effie" in the 2006 movie adaptation of the Broadway musical "Dreamgirls" and went on to appear in the 2008 summer box office hit "Sex in the City." Hudson's next film will be "Winnie," based on the life of Winnie Mandela which she will shoot in South Africa this summer.

Jennifer has won numerous awards, including a Grammy for her self-titled debut album, which spawned the hit single "Spotlight." Her second album will be released in May 2010.

In August 2009, Jennifer started signing a new tune - lullabies - after giving birth to her son David Daniel Otunga Jr., with fiancé David Otunga.

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