There are a few elements essential to getting into permanently healthy shape.
1. Food. This accounts for 80% of your program.
Go to
http://www.calorieking.com and create a diet plan that fits your body type and current weight. You don't want to starve, but you want to make sure each meal contains a carb, protein, and small amount of good fat.
2. Cardio
This creates an environment for your heart's health and gets the blood moving, plus it is a calorie burner. Thirty minutes, with a five minute warm up and 20 minutes of true exercise and a five minute cool down should do it. Do a resting heart rate and adjust from there.
http://www.bodybuilding.com is a great resource for figuring this out.
3. Weights/Resistance
Again, Bodybuilding.com has some awesome exercises you can do from your home if you can't afford the time/money to join a gym.
4. Vitamin supplements.
'Nuff said.
When you plan your meals, make sure you eat when you awaken. This is what gets your digestive juices flowing and kickstarts your metabolism.
Rest one day per week. It's important for those muscles to heal.
Do not work on the same body part two days in a row.