All the updates and upgrades are making Linux Lite as "heavy" as, or heavier than, Ubuntu or just about any other Linux OS. So, what's the best, safe Linux OS now? One that has a small footprint?
If you want a smaller footprint try with either MX Linux or Antix. Those are Debian based so you would lose the Ubuntu base which may or may not be to your taste.
If you must keep the Ubuntu base, then you could download the Ubuntu mini.iso and customize your desktop (always use expert install). You could use jwm, i3 or such (same as Debian, of course).
Or you could switch distros if you are into rolling etc, but that needs more experienced users.
Contrary to what that name suggests, Linux Lite was always Lubuntu plus a bunch of packages, so it was in fact heavier than Lubuntu itself. When Lubuntu switched from LXDE to LXQT, it increased its ram use. But even if they didn't, gtk3 also does the same so one way or the other you are getting higher memory demand (and web browsers are ram hogs too).