I'd basically like to echo eveything in Lacebad's post, particularly the bit about not making drastic lifestyle changes. People say you are what you eat/what you do etc. That's all well and good, but in my opinion you are what you do everyday. Adopt a healthy lifestyle and stick to it. Enjoy what you enjoy in moderation and get plenty of exercise. It feels great. Also, please take note that while even a small amount of exercise is better than none, you should work your way into a routine. Running once a week won't make much of a dent in your cardiovascualr health. Three or four times is a different story.
Try NOT to to think of exercise as punishing your body. The "no pain no gain" adage is true to a point, but if you experience joint pain from running or some other high-impact activity, take up swimming, race walking, or cycling. As I said, all that stuff is good for you, whatever gets you moving. So you'll want to keep a broad perspective about what suits you going into this.
Good luck!
Try NOT to to think of exercise as punishing your body. The "no pain no gain" adage is true to a point, but if you experience joint pain from running or some other high-impact activity, take up swimming, race walking, or cycling. As I said, all that stuff is good for you, whatever gets you moving. So you'll want to keep a broad perspective about what suits you going into this.
Good luck!