First, use a BMI calculator to determine where your fat percentage falls, so you know really what you need to work on. If you have a healthy fat range, then all you need is to build muscle, and at the same time, you will burn whatever unnecessary fat you do have and you will build up essential muscles to help you with your flips and tumbling.
HOWEVER, if you do in fact need to lose fat weight, then eating a properly proportioned and healthy diet is essential. Try to eat about 1200-1500 calories a day, but don't beat yourself up if you go over or under.
Stay away from high fat, empty calorie foods, like chips and fast food. Eat a lot of green vegetables, and other vegetables in general. Eat yogurt, natural cheeses, but few of them, since they contain a lot of fat. Drink protein shakes, or eat a good portion of chicken (if you eat chicken).
Avoid red meats. Try to reduce high-sugary fruits, since the body processes them differently. Eat breakfast! It starts up the metabolism for the day and helps the body quickly burn off fats that built up during the night. Do a lot of exercising without over-doing it. Eat whole-grain pasta rather often- there are a lot of great pasta recipes, and they're high in fiber which will keep you full. Drink LOTS of water. If you have a glass at each meal, it will help you
eat less food and will keep you sustained.
