Switching to a Mediterranean diet: first steps and go-to, easy recipes.

[David.J]

My doctor recently recommended I adopt a Mediterranean diet to help manage my borderline high cholesterol and overall heart health, but I'm finding the transition from my typical processed food diet more challenging than expected, especially with meal planning and prep. I understand the core principles of focusing on vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, but I'm getting lost in the details of portion sizes, weekly shopping lists, and how to make meals satisfying without relying on meat as the main component every night. For those who have successfully made this a long-term lifestyle, what were your first practical steps, and what are some of your favorite simple, go-to recipes that don't require hours in the kitchen? I'm also curious about how you handle dining out or social gatherings where the options don't easily align with the diet's guidelines.