Cutbacks in jobs or income: Bad. Cutbacks in recession-related smoking, overeating and drinking: Good. Despite the age-old idea that people drown their sorrows in times of stress, evidence shows that people are actually indulging less often in vices like eating out and drinking alcohol due to recession woes.

Could the recession really turn out to be good for America's health? If the stress doesn't get to us, it just might. Sales of cigarettes and liquor are down, and people are eating fewer restaurant meals, which, when not chosen carefully, can be over-sized and filled with fat and sodium. Keeping an eye on the bottom line might just end up being good for our collective waistline.

Andy Delony of the Michigan Restaurant Association acknowledges that the recession has been tough for restaurants in his hard-hit state. "Michigan led the nation into the economic doldrums," Delony tells That's Fit. He says, "It's never been harder to operate a restaurant." Eating out is still a significant part of people's lives, says Delony, but even those who aren't finding themselves challenged economically are still watching their dollars more carefully.

Maggie shares some ideas with us for cutting costs at a restaurant, and Martha's got 42 suggestions for choosing a healthier meal when eating out. If the recession has completely done in your entertainment budget, get fit for less with these recession fitness ideas, and check out our tips for eating healthy meals on a shoestring budget.

Has the recession affected the things that you indulge in? Are you eating out less frequently or changing your drinking habits? What kind of compromises have you had to make to keep your entertainment budget intact?