Light Numbers

• What constitutes a light dinner depends on your daily caloric needs. Consider splitting your calories evenly between meals, instead of eating a lot at dinner. For instance, if you need 1,500 calories per day, eat 400 calories at each meal, with two 150-calorie snacks in between.

Breakfast for Dinner

• Don't limit yourself to traditional dinner food, suggests Nevins. Have breakfast for supper. A hot bowl of oatmeal topped with walnuts and fruit is light and comforting. Or, whip up an omelet with plenty of diced vegetables, low-fat shredded cheese and egg whites. Top it with heart-healthy avocado -- 120 calories per half cup sliced -- and diced tomatoes. If you don't want to turn on the stove, simply throw a scoop of plain yogurt -- with 80 calories per 4 ounces -- and fresh fruit into the blender for a filling breakfast-for-dinner smoothie.

Supper Salads

• A bed of greens is the epitome of lightness and nothing is as simple as a salad. Fill your plate with a baby spinach and romaine lettuce blend. Top it with canned tuna or salmon, or grilled chicken for protein. Replace croutons with crunchy sunflower seeds or a few tablespoons of nuts. Nuts and seeds are healthy fats that help your body absorb essential nutrients, including vitamins A, D, K and E. If you have a hankering for sweet and savory, put mandarin oranges or sliced strawberries on your salad. Drizzle your creation with a bit of oil-and-vinegar dressing.

Simple Sandwiches

• Lunch staples make excellent dinners. Stuff a whole-wheat piece of pita bread with grilled turkey, sliced cucumber, diced tomato and onions and a dollop of plain yogurt for a light version of a gyro. Make an open-faced sandwich on a whole-grain baguette sliced in half. Top it with shredded chicken at 55 calories per ounce and a sprinkle of low-fat cheese, and pop it in the oven until it is bubbly and brown. Enjoy a fruit salad for dessert.

Comfort Food

• Dinner favorites like pizza and mac and cheese tend to be heavy and loaded with fat. Lighten them up and you can still enjoy your favorite comfort foods. Spoon marinara sauce over a whole-grain tortilla and sprinkle it with low-fat mozarrella and plenty of diced vegetables. Put it in the microwave to melt the cheese. For lighter mac and cheese, use skim milk and low-fat cheese. Stir in a cup of peas for a serving of vegetables. Complex carbohydrates, such as the tortilla and whole-wheat pasta, are a good source of dietary fiber which lowers cholesterol and promotes healthy digestion.