Not sure where to begin? I am 215 lbs, I have that belly thing.. I hate, quit smoking about 13 yrs ago, gained all the lbs since then?
Not real sure how to start a healthy lifestyle.

Best start is to work on your diet and begin light exercise. You don't have to be a complete health freak but if you cut out some of the carbs and sugars from your diet along with some time walking on the treadmill you should start seeing differences. Instead of drinking soda drink some water (flavor it by adding some low sugar juice). Breads and pasta can really pack on the pounds. Try to cut those out of your diet or use whole grain bread/pasta instead. I bought the South Beach diet cook book, good recipes and easy to make. You don't have to run on a treadmill to lose weight. You can walk a fast pace and periodically increase the incline as you begin a workout plan. Most importantly, go to the doctor and have a physical done to make sure you body is in good working order to begin a workout routine. Good luck!

Some people can do it all or nothing, for others it works better going in small steps.

First step might be to see your doctor and have a check up. Make sure there are no health concerns that may need to be addressed, such as diabetes, as this can effect what you do for diet and exercise.

General starting place after that is take a look at what you have in the house to eat and drink. How many are healthy options, how may are not? Get rid of the things you know are not healthy for you. If they are not in the house, you are less likely to eat them or at least have them very often.

With your doctor's OK, get moving every day. Walking is a great starter, or look into a treadmill if you live in an area that you can't get outside much. The key, however, is using it! With a treadmill, or other such piece of equipment, you can use it while you watch television. See what you can do... walking for 20 minutes, down the street and back, anything. Don't worry if you can't do more, it will come in time. Build up to longer distances and a faster pace. Get a couple of exercise dvds that have various levels to build up towards. Find a friend or family member that will walk with you. See if where you work offers discounts on gym memberships. Maybe check out a Y near you. Some people do well with going to a gym, others do better on their own. Try and find what works best for you. Anything to get moving.

Increase your intake of fruits and veggies (look for a variety of color), go for lean meats and fish, 100% whole grains, plenty of water as your changes in diet will likely result in changes in bathroom habits at first as your system adjusts to more fiber. Cut back, or cut out, processed foods, white breads, sodas, etc.. Watch your portion sizes... especially when eating out. Don't finish your plate! Always plan to take some home for another meal. Most servings people eat, especially when out, are actually 2 or 3 serving sizes! Have some healthier snacks always at the ready. If you can't control the eating of goodies to just a little every once in awhile, then get rid of them all together. Watch for times you eat just to eat... maybe while watching TV, sitting at the computer, etc. and get those under better control.

It takes effort and commitment. It won't be easy or fun at times, and you will get off track now and the, but it will be well worth it to keep at it as you start to see progress.

I used to have a flabby stomach, always embarrassed to take my shirt off in public. Kids teased me for being fat. Then I had to lose weight for my cousin's wedding...

I stumbled across a valuable site I found that really helped make fat loss easy for me. It gave me great at-home exercises and diet tips and showed me what I was doing wrong in the past...

http://www.flatterabsecrets.com/

No cardio exercises, no crunches/sit ups, no pills, mostly just about eating the right food!

I personally have said to myself I will share this good news, there is hope for us!
Just paying it forward, mate!

Best of luck with it!