Final answer:
Legumes are categorized in the Protein/Meat/Fish/Dry Beans/Eggs/Nuts Group of the Food Guide Pyramid, which is a key source of protein and other essential nutrients. The MyPyramid system has been replaced by MyPlate, which also emphasizes the importance of protein-rich foods like legumes in a balanced diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Food Guide Pyramid, legumes (dry beans) are categorized primarily within the Protein/Meat/Fish/Dry Beans/Eggs/Nuts Group. This group is mostly protein and includes foods that also provide iron and some B vitamins. According to MyPyramid, it's recommended to have two or three servings of food high in protein each day, but it is also important to consider the fat content of foods within this group. Legumes can serve as a nutritious part of this group with the added benefit of being low in fat.
It's important to note that the MyPyramid system, which depicts the relative amounts of foods from different food groups that you should consume each day, was replaced by MyPlate in June 2011. MyPlate continues to recommend the incorporation of protein-rich foods such as legumes into a balanced diet. To ensure that one's diet includes all necessary nutrients, a variety within each food group is essential.