I want to start eating healthy, but i have no idea what i need to look for and what types of foods i can make?

Soo, i want to start eating better. My family is prone to high blood pressure and all that. I have a 3 yr old son, and i want to be around for him! im only 19 yrs old (almost 20) im 4 feet 10 inches tall, and about 175 lbs...i know that is overweight for my height...and im looking to do something about it!! But the thing is, is im not creative at all with my foods, i dont know how to cook much, and im not sure what i need to look for on the labels of my food products! I think my 3 yr old has better eating habits than i do! He LOVES fruit, and i would rather have candy =/ horriable i know! So anyways, i need some ideas of what i can do! Any good websites that have healthy good recipes? cookbooks that you know of? What types of food do i need to look for/and get? I want to do this in steps so i know i can stick with it, i dont want to just rush to the store and buy a whole bunch of new healthy food..i need to do it gradualy so i can stick with it! Also if anyone has any good exercise tips i can try that would be great! Its usually just me during the day, my son goes to preschool and my finacee sleeps all day (he works overnight10pm-7am)..then come home and sleeps until about 3pm =/...so anything i can do pretty much by myself. Anyways, thanks in advance for the tips and adivse and PS i dont have the money for a gym membership im on a VERY TIGHT budget! Thanks!