What are good ways to help attention deficit disorder?

When I was younger I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. When on medication there was a noticable difference in my attention, I was sharp and would remember things alot better. My mind was sharp all the time. I was taken off the medication however, my mother didnt want me to become dependent on the pills. (I was prescribed Ritalin.) I was wondering what tips people had for me to get that edge back that my brain had on the Ritalin they prescribed me. Any foods that I can take or anything that will help increase Dopamine levels like Ritalin did? I still have the symptoms.