Final answer:
According to the USDA food patterns, 1/3 cup of nuts is equivalent to one ounce of meat, and nuts are part of the protein foods group in MyPlate guidelines.
Step-by-step explanation:
The USDA food patterns count 1/3 cup of nuts as equivalent to b) One ounce of meat. Nuts are categorized under the protein foods group in the MyPlate guidelines, which includes meat, fish, poultry, eggs, peas, beans, and nuts. According to these guidelines, nuts can serve as a substitute for meat due to their high protein content. When planning a healthy diet, it is recommended to make half your plate fruits and vegetables, with the other half split between grains and proteins. A serving of dairy should also accompany each meal if possible, though nuts act as the protein portion rather than dairy.