With more than 67 percent of Americans now categorized as overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many people are searching for ways to lighten up and become healthier. Studies find that going vegetarian can be a step in the right direction.

Vegetarians tend to live longer and have lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer, according to research by the Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition, and as a group they weigh less and gain less weight over time. Even eating vegetarian part of the time can lead to improvements in health and get the needle on the scale moving in the right direction, a five- year study by Cancer Research UK found.

Anyone interested in vegetarian eating should check out Tuesday's ABC health tweet chat moderated by Dr. Richard Besser, ABC News' chief health and medical correspondent. Besser, along with Whole Foods, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, registered dietitians, bloggers, and other veggie lovers, tweeted out great tips and information to help anyone become a healthy, happy vegetarian.

Below are highlights from Tuesday's tweet chat, as well as some recipes, tips and advice from our participants. Enjoy!