Molly Patrick, co-founder of Clean Food Dirty Girl, has never eaten meat. Raised in New Mexico by “hippie parents,” her mom stopped eating meat as soon as she left home and raised Molly vegetarian. Dairy did not agree with her, so she grew up with soy and rice milk. In 2010, she dropped dairy and eggs entirely, going vegan.
Four years later, she took another step by removing most processed foods from her kitchen and creating recipes centered on whole plant foods. Today, she describes her approach as 90% whole food plant-based, with room for vegan indulgences when traveling or dining out.
Vegan vs. Whole Food Plant-Based
Molly makes a clear distinction. Veganism eliminates all animal products, but vegan food can still be highly processed. Whole food plant-based focuses on minimally processed plant foods
such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, along with items like tofu or sprouted grain bread that retain most of their nutrients and fiber.
Understanding this difference helps people focus on foods that truly support long-term health.
Navigating Different Household Diets
Many of Molly’s clients share their homes with non-vegans. She stresses the importance of boundaries and mutual respect. For some, coexisting is possible. For others, it is not. Clarity on what you will and will not allow in your kitchen, and sticking to it, can keep relationships balanced without compromising your values.
Building a Community Around Plants
Clean Food Dirty Girl started nearly 11 years ago with meal plans inspired by Molly’s batch cooking habits. The membership now offers more than 5,000 recipes and nearly 600 meal plans.
In 2021, Molly added life coaching to her work, creating a program for women, many of them in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, who want to release weight, improve their relationship with food, and build self-love. Her coaching blends food guidance with emotional tools to create lasting lifestyle changes.
Meeting Your Body Where It Is
For women post-menopause, Molly encourages acceptance first. Acknowledging that your 70-year-old body is different from your 40-year-old body makes healthy changes more sustainable. With that mindset shift, choices become easier. Her program often starts with simple steps, like moving your body for just 10 minutes a day, and builds from there.
Easing Into Whole Food Plant-Based Eating
Some people thrive on going “all in.” Others prefer gradual change. Molly advises identifying personal trigger foods, removing them when possible, and learning to sit with cravings instead of acting on them. Batch cooking is her top time-saving tip. Preparing beans, soups, washed greens, and dressings ahead of time means healthy meals can be ready in minutes.
Keeping It Flavorful
Taste matters. Molly’s easy go-to dressing combines coconut aminos, brown rice vinegar, a touch of tahini, and optional spices such as turmeric and chili flakes. No blender is required.
Delicious food, she says, is the key to keeping omnivore family members curious and open to plant-based meals.
No Single Right Way
Molly reminds us there is no single “right” way to transition. Whether you go all in or take small steps, meet yourself with compassion and keep moving forward. “You can do this,” she says. “It is never too late, and you do not have to do it perfectly.”
You can learn more and access her free masterclass at www.CleanFoodDirtyGirl.com.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction
[02:00] Vegetarian to vegan to plant based…Molly’s journey.
[05:00] The truth about UPFs, age and healthy eating.
[11:00] Molly’s mission is coaching and mentorship.
[17:30] Working with an older demographic and accepting changes.
[21:00] Baby steps to healthy success.
[26:00] WFPB is not always convenient, but it’s worth it.
[31:00] Why our bodies hang on to calories and fat as we age.
[36:45] Being mindful of the attention grabbers.
[43:00] The end of dieting happens fast with plant based eating.
44:45] Reigniting passion as we age with food.
[49:00] Taste is essential if you are going to influence others with food.
[52:00] Very cost effective eating during times of inflation.
About Molly Patrick
Molly Patrick is the CEO and co-founder of Clean Food Dirty Girl, a global plant-based community with over 280,000 dedicated followers. She has never eaten meat in her life and has built a thriving company that has created more than 400 whole food plant-based meal plans, inspiring people around the world to eat more plants while embracing their beautifully imperfect selves.
Raised in an unconventional household in New Mexico, Molly’s journey is grounded in authenticity, resilience, and a deep commitment to living in alignment with her values. Sober since 2015, she brings a unique perspective to healthy living, blending compassion, humor, and practicality in everything she does.
Through Clean Food Dirty Girl, Molly empowers people to cook flavorful plant-based meals, understand the difference between vegan and whole food plant-based eating, and approach health with kindness and self-acceptance. Her relatable, down-to-earth style and unwavering mission have made her a trusted voice in the plant-based community and beyond.
About Kathleen Gage
Kathleen Gage is a multifaceted professional, renowned as the founder of Vegan Visibility. With certifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell University, she’s a seasoned business consultant, keynote speaker, and marketing strategist.
Kathleen’s impact extends to hosting the Vegan Visibility Virtual Summit, a niche event supporting vegan and plant-based entrepreneurs with top-tier training from industry experts. Since
establishing her business in 1994, she’s navigated economic challenges across various sectors, including high-tech, healthcare, and publishing.
Her influential voice resonates through popular podcasts like “Vegan Visibility” and “Plant Based Eating for Health,” where she advocates for a sustainable, compassionate world and provides guidance to thousands globally. Moreover, as an award-winning speaker and past president of Utah’s National Speakers Association chapter, Kathleen excels in crafting effective marketing strategies.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Kathleen resides in Central Oregon, where she champions animal rescue and enjoys outdoor activities. Her commitment to creating a more compassionate and sustainable world shines through in both her personal and professional pursuits.
Access her complimentary Podcast Guesting Blueprint at http://veganvisibility.com/podcastblueprint